Pfc. Edward Joseph Miller was born in Forest Park, Illinois, on September 2, 1922, to Frank and Anna Miller. With his two sisters and three brothers, he grew up at 916 Thomas Avenue, Forest Park. He graduated from Field-Stevenson School and then went to Proviso Township High School for two years. He left school and went to work as a cabinet maker at the Edward Roos Cedar Chest Company in Forest Park.
On June 27, 1942, Ed registered with Selective Service and name his mother as his contact person. He was inducted in the US Army on March 29, 1943, and given the serial number 36 653 162. It is known he trained at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas. It is not known if he trained anywhere else. He was assigned to Company L, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division which was serving in North Africa. It is believed he joined the 133rd around August 1, 1943. At the time, the 34th Division, which the 133rd was a part of, was in training. On September 19th, the Regiment sailed from Oran and landed in Salerno, Sicily. The regiment landed on the Italian boot and engaged enemy forces on the 25th near Benevento. On October 3rd, it had captured the town.
The 133rd continued its advance and on October 18th was given the job of crossing the Volturno River and capturing the town of San Angelo D’Alife. It next captured Cirolano, After crossing the Volturno again, it captured Santa Maria Olivetto fighting its way through heavy enemy fire, booby traps and land mines. It then fought off numerous counter-attacks until it was relieved on November 9th when it was given rest and relaxation.
The 133rd went back into action on November 25th, in the vicinity of Colli. Since this was hilly country they attacked and took a hill knowing the Germans were watching from the next hill. It was reported that the casualty rate was 15% during this time since it was under constant German artillery fire. The 133rd was relieved again on December 10th. The regiment was rested and received replacements. It went back into action on January 8, 1944. It fought its way north taking hills in while facing heavy enemy resistance. The 133rd took positions as it prepared for the attack across the Rapido river to Cassino. Cassino was well fortified with the enemy skillfully using the terrain to best advantage.
The Battle of Monte Cassino started on the 24th. The fighting was fierce and the entire division suffered 50% casualties. The 133rd was withdrawn from the battle on the 22nd for training. The 133rd moved on March 10th to San Giorgio. For the next twelve days the soldiers trained. On the 23rd, the regiment went to Naples for transport to Anzio. Once there, it relieved other units. It was during this time on May 5, 1944, that Ed was wounded – he was hit by shell fragments in his head and chest – near Cisterno, Italy, and evacuated to a field hospital. According to documents, Ed died on May 24, 1944, and the next day was buried in Plot V, Row 45, Grave 2981, in the American Military Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy.
Ed was initially reported missing in action, so his parents received a telegram stating this from the War Department.
MRS ANNA MILLER
916 THOMAS AVENUE
FOREST PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON PRIVATE FIRT CLASS EDWARD J MILLER HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE TWENTY FOUR MAY IN ITALY PERIOD IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIED PERIOD
ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
On June 14, 1944, the War Department had information that Ed had been killed in action, so another telegram was sent.
MRS ANNA MILLER
916 THOMAS AVENUE
FOREST PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON PRIVATE FIRST CLASS EDWARD J MILLER WHO PRVIOUSLY HAD BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION REPORT NOW RECEIVED STATES HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON TWENTY FOUR MAY IN ITALY CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS=
J A ULIO THE ADJUENT GENERAL
The content of the letter is not known. Since Ed’s death had been confirmed, Ed’s father was now his next of kin. In a letter dated October 23, 1945, his father was informed where Ed was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. Another letter arrived, dated February 24, 1947, telling his father that at some point Ed’s remains would be moved to a permanent cemetery or returned to the United States. He then received a letter, dated March 6, 1947, that contained information on his options for Ed’s final burial. He was asked to fill-out and return an enclosed form to the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC. The form was received on March 24, 1947, indicating his family wanted Ed’s remains returned to the United States, but in a letter dated May 12, 1947, his father indicated that Ed should be buried in An American Military Cemetery,
Records show that Ed’s remains had been disinterred from the USMC, Nattuno, Italy on May 4, 1948, and sent to the Naples Port Morgue and casketed. From there, his casket was sent to the Sicily Rome American Military Cemetery and arrived there on September 28, 1948. On September 30, 1948, Pfc. Edward J. Miller was buried in the Sicily Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, with full military honors, in Plot D, Row 1, Grave 13. The flag that covered his casket was sent to his parents with a letter.
Pfc Edward J. Miller, ASN 36 653 162
Plot D, Row 1, Grave 13
Headstone: Cross
Nettuno (Anzio) U. S. Military Cemetery
Mr. Frank Miller
916 Thomas Avenue
Forest Park, Illinois
This is to inform you that the remains of your beloved one have been permanently interred, as the recorded above, side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country. Customary military funeral services were conducted over the grave at the time of burial.
After the Department of the Army has completed all final interments, the cemetery will be transferred, as authorized by the Congress, to the care and supervision of the American Battle Monuments Commission. The commission will also have the responsibility for permanent construction and beautification of the cemetery, including erection of the permanent headstone. The headstone will be inscribe with the name exactly recorded above, the rank or rating where appropriate, organization, State, and date of death. Any inquiries relative to the type of headstone or the spelling of the name to be inscribed thereon, should be addressed to the American Battle Monuments Commission, Washington 25, D. C. Your letter should include the full name, rank, serial number, grave location, and name of the cemetery.
While interments and beautification activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. However, upon completion thereof, due notice will be carried by the press.
You may be rest assured that this final interment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the grave-site will be care-fully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
THOMAS B. LARKIN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
