SGT. VERNON E. MILLER IS KILLED IN ACCIDENT
Army Reports Death In A Liberator Bomber Tuesday Morning
Mrs. Tina Miller, of Fredonia township, received word yesterday that her son, Sgt. Vernon E. Miller, a waist gunner on a Liberator bomber, was killed in line of duty at 1:10 o’clock Tuesday morning.
The dispatch did not state how Sgt. Miller met his death and it is not known whether the bomber crashed or whether the Plymouth County boy was the only victim.
The body will be shipped back, and funeral arrangements will be made as soon as it is known when the body will arrive.
Sgt. Miller had been in the Army about two years. He was taken in the draft April 10, 1942, and was not married. He was born in Fredonia township, attended the country schools near his home, and worked at farm work til drafted.
According to Sgt. Miller’s sister, he had been expecting to go overseas soon. It was not know exactly where he was located, but is believed to be in California.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, January 20, 1944
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR SGT. MILLER
Veterans of First World War Honor Victim of Crash
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 24, for Sgt. Vernon E. Miller, who died in the service of his country on January 19, in California. Remains arrived at Marcus, Iowa, January 23, under the escort of Sgt. R. E. Cox of Fairfield, California.
Services were held at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Oyens, Ia, with Rev. John Christensen of Marcus, Ia., officiating. He was assisted by Rev. Fred Jacobsen of Graettinger, Ia., who delivered the sermon. During the service, songs were sung by Nis Kloster, Niels Kloster and Kenmore, Jordahl, accompanied by Mrs. Kenmore Jordahl. They sang “The Way of the Cross Leads Home,” “Have Thine Own Way Lord,” and “Day Is Dying in the West.” The latter song being a favorite song of Vernon’s.
It was a military funeral in charge of Pieper Post of the American Legion and the Dieckman Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Remsen.
Pallbearers were Martin Larson, Stanley Mohning, Melvin Bouma, Henry Muller, Louis Mohning and Allen Lundgren.
The funeral was under the direction of the Nelson funeral home of Marcus. Interment was at Remsen.
OBITUARY
Sergeant Vernon E. Miller was born to Tina and Carl Miller in Fredonia township, Plymouth County, Iowa, on May 29, 1920. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Before he reached the age of five years his father passed away, and with his mother, brothers and sister, he went to make his home with his grandfather, C. P. Kloster.
After completing his school career he assisted his grandfather with the farm work until he was inducted into the armed service of his country on April 20, 1942, at Fort Crook, Neb., from where he was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Here he was signed up for his first training as an airplane mechanic, from which he graduated in October 1942. After graduation, he was sent to the Lockheed Vega Service school, North Hollywood, Calif. Upon completion of the prescribed factory service course, he received a second diploma, and was sent to March Field, Calif. Here he enlisted as an aerial gunner. He was transferred to Kingman, Ariz., where he earned his silver wings. He was then sent to Clovis, New Mexico. His next training was received at Biggs Field, Texas. Here he was teamed up with his crew members. From this center he was granted a short furlough around the first of September. Early in December his crew was sent to Topeka, Kan., where they were issued a new Liberator bomber. Two weeks ago they were sent to California to prepare for overseas duty.
On January 19, 1944, at an early hour an aircraft accident ended the life of Vernon. Left to mourn his departure are his mother, Mrs. Tina Miller; two brothers, Floyd and Wilbur; one sister, Doris; his grandfather, C.P. Kloster; his grandmother, Mrs. Dorthea Miller of Marcus; and many other relatives and friends.
Vernon was dear to the hearts of all who knew him, being of a kind and Christian character. He was devoted to his family home circle, especially to his mother to whom he wrote daily. In his last letter from Topeka, Kansas, two weeks ago, he wrote, “One never knows which letter will be our last one. But have trust in the Lord. He will carry us through. He has never failed us. I’m putting you all in God’s care ‘til I come back from over there. Again, don’t worry; when I get my new address, I’ll send it as quickly as possible. But, as Kate Smith says in a song, “Say A Prayer for the Boys Over There.” Later on in his letter he wrote, “I know it’s hard for you ‘cause Daddy is dead, but Mom I’ll take good care of you when I come back. God bless you always. Remember us all in your prayers. Thank you for coming down to see me and for your many letters. Love, Vernon”
God’s will, not ours, be done!
Source: The LeMars Globe-Post, January 27, 1944
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MEN WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II
Compiled by War Records Division of State Department of History
| 43. Miller, Vernon E. Sgt. | LeMars | Airplane crash in California | 1-19-44 |
Source: LeMars Sentinel, June 15, 1945
