WILLIAM A. MILLER, JR., ENS, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
William Miller, Jr. '66

Date of birth: December 10, 1944

Date of death: July 25, 1967

Age: 22

Lucky Bag

From the 1966 Lucky Bag:

1966 Miller LB.jpg

WILLIAM AKINS MILLER, JR.

San Diego, California

Bill knew what he wanted from the very first day of plebe year. As a Navy Junior, he knew what Navy life is like and was ready to do what was necessary to become a good Naval officer. All those who met Bill knew that if anyone would succeed at the Academy, he would.

Bill pursued an Engineering major and devoted most non-study time to athletics or dragging. His boyish features surprised many of us when it came to basketball, football, baseball or tennis for he played all sports as if he had been at it all his life. He was also a consistent member of the French and Public Relations Clubs where his cheerful spirit was his prime asset in making friends for the Navy. Bill always had time for his classmates and many were the nights when his room was the haven for academic discussion or the classroom* for some less brilliant classmate. In June of 1966 when Bill becomes an Ensign, the Navy will acquire a devoted and qualified officer.

1966 Miller LB.jpg

WILLIAM AKINS MILLER, JR.

San Diego, California

Bill knew what he wanted from the very first day of plebe year. As a Navy Junior, he knew what Navy life is like and was ready to do what was necessary to become a good Naval officer. All those who met Bill knew that if anyone would succeed at the Academy, he would.

Bill pursued an Engineering major and devoted most non-study time to athletics or dragging. His boyish features surprised many of us when it came to basketball, football, baseball or tennis for he played all sports as if he had been at it all his life. He was also a consistent member of the French and Public Relations Clubs where his cheerful spirit was his prime asset in making friends for the Navy. Bill always had time for his classmates and many were the nights when his room was the haven for academic discussion or the classroom* for some less brilliant classmate. In June of 1966 when Bill becomes an Ensign, the Navy will acquire a devoted and qualified officer.

Loss

From the November 1967 issue of Shipmate:

Ens. William A. Miller, Jr., USN, died in an aircraft accident at the Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Foley, Ala., on 25 July. He was serving with Training Squadron Five as a student pilot. Services were held in Ft. Myer Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.

Ens. Miller was born in Atlanta, Ga., and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966. He had completed flight training at Saufley Field and at Whiting Field, and had just returned to Saufley for final basic training at the time of the accident. While at Pensacola he continued his interest in sports, participating in football, tennis, baseball, basketball and golf, and had won a number of trophies.

He is survived by his parents, Capt. William A. Miller, Public Works Officer, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and Mrs. Miller of Philadelphia, Pa. 19112; two sisters, Mrs. W. P. Pettus of Long Beach, Calif., and Miss Carol Miller, and a brother Gary, of the home address.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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Larry Chmiel '66 and Marvin Wiles '66 were also in 32nd Company.


Class of 1966

William is one of 36 members of the Class of 1966 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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