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In Memory of  Army Pfc.

Bernhardt William Miller

Groton, South Dakota, Brown County

September 20, 1942 – November 10, 1967

Killed by enemy fire near Dak To in Kontum Province, South Vietnam

Bernhardt (Pee Wee) William Miller was born in Bowdle, South Dakota to John C. and Anna Miller on September 20, 1942. The family moved to Groton in 1956. He attended a country school with five siblings, Rudolph, Lenard, Ardella, Lenora, and Linda. Later, he worked for a farmer and drove trucks in Montana and was also a hotrod in the oilfields in that state. Bernhardt never married.

Pfc. Bernhardt W. Miller was drafted from Aberdeen, South Dakota, but as he was living in Montana at the time, he left from there and entered the service on March 21,1967. He took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was qualified as a sharpshooter. Pfc. Miller arrived in Vietnam on August 25, 1967, and was attached to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.

Private First Class Bernhardt William Miller was killed in action on November 10, 1967. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device posthumously. In a special ceremony, Major Marvin M. Anderson read the orders citing Pfc. Miller for heroism. The order stated:

Private First Class Miller distinguished himself by valorous actions on November 10, 1967 while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 3rd Division Battalion, 12th Infantry, in the central highlands region near the city of Dak To. On this occasion, Company C was engaged in an assault of a well- fortified bunker and trench complex. As the Company approached the enemy positions, they came under intense small arms and weapons fire. Private First Class Miller, with total disregard for his own safety, continued to close with the enemy, placing a high volume of deadly accurate fire on the hostile positions and thus enabling his comrades to continue forward. As he came within range of the enemy bunkers, he noticed a wounded comrade unable to move and exposed to intense enemy fire. Oblivious to the heavy volume of enemy fire, he began moving forward to rescue the wounded man. When he reached him he tried to move his comrade to a safer location for medical attention but was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Private First Class Miller’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Pfc. Miller is buried at the Groton Union Cemetery at Groton, South Dakota. Pfc. Miller’s name can be found on Panel 29E, Line 068 of the Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Blaine John Snyder, seventh grade, Stanley County Schools, Fort Pierre, South Dakota, February 18, 2005 respectfully submitted this entry. Rudolph Miller, Rapid City, South Dakota, Lenard Miller, Lodge Grass, Montana, Ardella Whitney, Kalispell, Montana, and Lenora Howard, Burnsville, North Carolina, brothers and sisters of Bernhardt Miller, provided the information for this entry.