Updated: 29 Mar 2013

[ Home ] [ Index ] [ Back ]

Charles Miller
02 August 1945
Sapulpa Herald
Creek Co. Oklahoma 
Photo

Charles Miller Killed Aboard Jap Transport
Ship Bombed and Sunk in Subic Bay, Luson, December 15

Major Charles J. Miller

Monday, July 30th, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Miller received word from the war department through the adjutant general's office, informing them of the death of their son, Major Charles W. Miller. 

The Letter follows:
"From the available information it appears that 1619 prisoners of war were embarked 13 December, 1844, at Manila on a Japanese vessel, presumably for transfer to Japan. The ship was bombed and sunk in Subic Bay, Luson, Phillippine Islands, 15 December 1944."

"After considerable delay there has been received from the Japanese government a confirmatory report of this sinking, with partial official lists of those lost and of the survivors, 941 of the prisoners of war, among them your son, are officially reported by the Japanese to have lost their lives at the tine, Of the survivors remaining in the hands of the Japanese, 59 are reported to have died and others to have been later transferred to Japan, Only two of the prisoners of war aboard are known to have evaded recapture and returned to our forces."

"I regret that the known circumstances and the reports received offer no hope that your son survived this catastrophe, He well be carried on the records of the war department as killed in action, 15 December, 1844. However his pay will terminate and his accounts will be closed as of 24 July, 1945, the evidence of his death having been received in the war department on that date."

"Please know that you have my heartfelt sympathy."

The letter was signed by Edward F. Witsell, Major general acting the adjutant general of the Army.

Major Miller was born in Kansas City, Mo., December 22, 1904. A graduate of Sapulpa high school and of Oklahoma university. Prior to his entering the service of his country he was associated with his father in the jewelry business here.

He is survived by his parents and wife, Mrs. Dorothy Lu Miller of Henryetta, and one son, Charles Garnet, who was born a short time after he left for the Philippines. He was married at Henryetta, September 4, 1935.

Charles was reserve officer of the University of Oklahoma and was called into service. Going overseas with the 19th bombardment group in October, 1941. The above photo was taken in Moulder studio while home on furlough prior to his leaving for overseas duty.