devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Share #1 Posted December 15, 2009 Here is the case of Cpl. Channing Bernard Miller Co. A 1st Bn 2nd Marines. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 22, 1942 from Aurora, Ill. He was involved in the first wave at Betio Island on Nov. 20, 1943 where he received his first wound. According to his casualty card the nature is not specified, but he survived. He also participated in the assault on Saipan where he was awarded a silver star for his actions on June 17, 1944. He was again wounded in action on July 8, 1944. According to his casualty report he suffered gunshot wounds to the face, chest and left hand and was evacuated on the same day but according to his casualty file, returned to duty July 29, 1944 with his unit at Tinian! On that same day he was again wounded by a gunshot wound to the right side of the head (yes I am serious check the scans below) On the very day he returned to duty. He was again evacuated on July 31, 1944. At some unspecified date Cpl. Miller returned to duty and long after the island of Saipan was "secured" Cpl. Channing B. Miller was killed in action on Sept. 11, 1944 after receiving gunshot wounds to the buttocks. He was buried in grave #16 Row 16, Plot E of the 2nd MarDiv Cemetery Saipain Mariana Islands. I cannot even imagine the level of bravery this Marine exhibited, truly remarkable and utterly tragic. Please excuse the fading it is on the scan and not on the ribbon or medal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #2 Posted December 15, 2009 Here is the back of the heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted December 15, 2009 First casualty report Betio island Nov. 20, 1943 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted December 15, 2009 Silver Star Citation. The location of the medal is unknown believed to be in collectors hands. If anyone knows please contact me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted December 15, 2009 Second casualty report Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted December 15, 2009 Third casualty report Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted December 15, 2009 This is the 4th and final casualty report the reports the death of now Sgt. Channing B. Miller. He was evidently promoted to Sergeant however his purple heart is engraved to Cpl. Channing B. Miller. Very sad and tragic group. This Marine literally survived hell only to lose his life during the mop up phase. I'd really like to know more about Channing Miller if anyone has any additional info I'd really like to hear from you. I need to get his file from St. Louis, MO among many others but just tugs at the heart to look at this story. -Semper Fi, Kevin Seldon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItemCo16527 Posted December 15, 2009 Share #8 Posted December 15, 2009 A very tragic story indeed. It's a shame his CO didn't try to find a way to get him sent home after he was wounded the third time. Although, who knows? Maybe he did, and Sgt. Channing refused. But then again, the Marines needed every experienced man in the field they could muster. A very sad story... Thank you for sharing this. I've never seen a WWII Purple Heart with three Gold Stars before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr-X Posted December 15, 2009 Share #9 Posted December 15, 2009 Wow what a Marine! A real hero. Thanks for sharing :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devildog34 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share #10 Posted December 15, 2009 Sorry I should have put this under the medals and decorations section -Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teufelhunde.ret Posted December 15, 2009 Share #11 Posted December 15, 2009 Sorry I should have put this under the medals and decorations section-Kevin It is now... :thumbsup: and thanks for sharing this PH with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0811gysgt Posted December 15, 2009 Share #12 Posted December 15, 2009 That is an awesome piece of USMC history. Semper Fidelis, Gunny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mes Posted December 15, 2009 Share #13 Posted December 15, 2009 What an outstanding marine. What a shame to have lost his life. Brave beyond words. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted December 15, 2009 Share #14 Posted December 15, 2009 oh wow, four times. a true warrior Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siling Posted December 15, 2009 Share #15 Posted December 15, 2009 This is life... this is war... this is soldier story... this is many soldiers story... this is UMSC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capa Posted December 15, 2009 Share #16 Posted December 15, 2009 Wow, I am humbled to read this. Thank you. Semper Fi!!! Fielding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottplen Posted December 15, 2009 Share #17 Posted December 15, 2009 nice :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger Gunner USMC Posted December 15, 2009 Share #18 Posted December 15, 2009 Absolutly amazing. This is indeed a tragic story! I have a 3x Purple Heart group but ive never seen one from a 4x wounded Marine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bammerbb Posted December 18, 2009 Share #19 Posted December 18, 2009 As a beginning collector, I'm amazed at some of these stories and medals. What a true hero!! Plus, it makes me proud to be a citizen of this great country, and I want to say THANK YOU (although thanks don't seem enough) to all veterans who have served for us. -- Brian Blankenburg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Barickman Posted December 18, 2009 Share #20 Posted December 18, 2009 Kevin, Another great KIA PH from your collection. :thumbsup: Kurt Barickman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now