Eighty-One Years After His Death in Normandy, a Soldier’s Memory Lives On
Staff Sergeant Orion L. Miller, Jr. was born on August 26, 1918, and grew up in Terrell, Texas. In February 1941, with war raging overseas, he enlisted in the United States Army. He completed his basic training at Camp Bowie, Texas, and was eventually assigned to E Company, 330th Infantry Regiment of the 83rd Infantry Division.
In June 1944, the 83rd Infantry Division arrived in France as part of the Allied forces pushing inland following the D-Day landings. The 330th Infantry Regiment came ashore at Omaha Beach on June 23, after lying off the coast during a storm that threatened the entire operation. Once ashore, the regiment moved into the lines southeast of Carentan, taking over positions from the 101st Airborne Division.
Western Union telegram dated August 8, 1944, notifying Mr. Orion L. Miller of Terrell, Texas, that his son, Staff Sergeant Orion L. Miller Jr., was killed in action in France on July 17. Sent by the Adjutant General on behalf of the Secretary of War. (WWII Veterans History Project Collection)
On July 4, 1944, the 330th launched its first major assault through the hedgerows of Normandy, terrain that made advances slow and dangerous. The regiment fought for twenty-three straight days, often from dawn to dark, pushing forward against entrenched German positions, including elements of the elite 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division.
As the 330th Infantry Regiment sustained heavy casualties in Normandy, Orion was assigned as a replacement and joined E Company on July 11. Facing intense enemy resistance, the unit fought through Hotot, Remilly-sur-Luzon, and along the Périers–Saint-Lô road, gradually pushing the German forces back.
Purple Heart certificate posthumously awarded to Staff Sergeant Orion L. Miller for wounds received in action resulting in his death on July 17, 1944. Issued on October 11, 1944, and signed by the Secretary of War and the Adjutant General.
On July 17, 1944, just six days after joining his outfit at the front, Staff Sergeant Miller was killed in action during operations near La Barre, Remilly-sur-Luzon. He was 26 years old. His death occurred just days before the massive aerial bombardment of July 25, which finally broke the German lines and helped enable the Allied breakout from Normandy.
Miller was initially buried at the U.S. Military Cemetery in Blosville, France. In 1948, following the wishes of his family, his remains were returned to the United States. He was reinterred with military honors in his hometown of Terrell, Texas, following a funeral service at the First Baptist Church. Today, Staff Sergeant Orion L. Miller is buried in Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell.
At the time of his death, Miller was survived by his wife, Doris Reeves Miller; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orion L. Miller of Terrell; four sisters—Mrs. J.E. Smith, Nadine, Eleanor, and Dorothy Jean Miller—and his brother, Pfc. William Thomas Miller, who was serving with the U.S. Army in New Guinea.
We are deeply grateful to Susan Cramer, Orion’s niece, for generously entrusting the WWII Veterans History Project with his posthumously awarded Purple Heart and associated wartime artifacts. Thanks to her generosity, his legacy will be preserved for future generations as part of our archive, ensuring that his sacrifice, service, and story are never forgotten.
Earlier this year, we traveled to Texas to accept this donation in person. It was a meaningful opportunity to learn more about Staff Sergeant Miller’s life and service. Some additional highlights from the collection are pictured below.
It is through contributions like this that we are able to continue giving the past a future, one story at a time. Thank you, Susan, for helping us honor your uncle and the memory of all who served.
