NOTAM 06-2014 (Miller)

Golden Eagle NOTAM
VADM Gerald E. “Jerry” Miller, USN (Ret)
Golden Eagle Emeritus

 

It is my sad duty to report that Vice Admiral Gerald E. “Jerry” Miller, USN (Ret.) made his Last Take-off on 6 November 2014 in his home in Oakton, Virginia after a seven month battle with cancer.  Jerry was 95 years old.  He is survived by his wife Jo Ann, sons Doug, Scott, and Jonathan, and daughter Susan.   He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

Jerry was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on 1 July 1919.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1936 at the age of 17 and served in the fleet for two years before receiving an appointment to the Naval Academy.  At the Academy, Jerry’s enlisted experience helped propel him to leadership positions in his class, serving two sets as midshipman Company Commander during his First Class Year.

Graduating five months early, in the wake of Pearl Harbor, Jerry reported to USS Richmond, where he engaged in Pacific combat.  With the war nearing an end Jerry realized a long-time dream when he was sent to flight training.  He earned his wings on 13 March 1945 and was assigned to an F4U squadron, too late to participate in WWII as an aviator.

The post war years led to various staff positions and post graduate study at Stanford.  The day he graduated, the Korean War broke out.  As an aide to the Commander of Task Force 77 Lieutenant Commander Miller participated in the planning of the Inchon amphibious landings and other vital operations.  In 1953 Jerry commanded VF-153 and flew 100 missions, 70 of them over the beach supporting ground troops.

His aviation commands include VF-153, 1953; CAG-17, 1957; USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), 1963-1964; Commander Carrier Division 3, 1969; Commander Second Fleet, 1970-1971; and Commander Sixth Fleet, 1971-1973.  His Combat Awards include a Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and seven Air Medals.

Vice Admiral Jerry Miller retired from active duty in 1974 with flight experience in more than 70 types of aircraft.  He was an exceptional aviator, officer and leader.  Post retirement, Vice Admiral Miller continued to stay active in the community, contributing his wisdom and leadership to various educational institutions, the Association for Naval Aviation, and the Naval Institute.   We have lost another member of “The Greatest Generation.”

He will be missed.

HLD for Don Boecker