Miller, Jack, 1920-1942

Jack Miller was the second son of Henry S. Miller, Sr. and his wife, Carmen Miller. The Millers first gained prominence in Dallas, Texas from the real estate and commerce dealings of Sam Miller around the start of the twentieth century. Sam Miller’s son, Henry S. Miller, Sr., went on to become a key player in the Dallas real estate industry as well. Upon Henry S. Miller, Sr.'s death, his eldest son, Henry S. Miller, Jr., Jack Miller's brother, assumed control of the family business. The business remains active in the Dallas real estate market and has since expanded nationally.

Jack Miller graduated with a B.A. in Commerce from Southern Methodist University in 1938. Afterwards, he joined the United States Marine Corps and completed officer training at Quantico, Virginia. He voluntarily joined the 2nd Marine Battalion, known as Carlson’s Raiders, named after its commanding officer, Colonel Evans Carlson. Lt. Miller served as a Raider for 18 months before being killed in action on the island of Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, on December 4, 1942. Because his death came in a forward area, Miller was buried on the side of a trail. He posthumously received a Presidential unit citation. For his heroism, he was also awarded the Navy Cross, the highest honor the Navy can bestow.

After his death, the Miller family, including his brother, Henry S. Miller, Jr., and his sister, Dr. Carmen Miller Michael, began the process of locating Jack Miller’s remains. As of 2005, their search has been unsuccessful.

From the guide to the Jack Miller papers A2004. 0001., 1920-2008, (DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University)