World War II vet’s remains to be properly laid to rest 77 years later

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — 1944 in the Hürtgen Forest, American forces met the Germans in a fierce battle that lasted 88 days, the longest World War II battle on German ground. American casualties from the Battle of Hürtgen Forest are estimated to be between 33,000-55,000.

Nov. 8, Private Leroy Baldwin Miller Jr., U.S. Army, was reported missing in action.

When Americans scoured a mass grave on Sept. 11, 1947, in the village of Kommerscheidt, Germany, they recovered what they believed to be Miller’s body. 77 years later, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has formally rescinded the historical identification of those remains and issued a correction, allowing Miller to have a proper burial home in Indianapolis.

Monday, DPAA announced that “after decades of uncertainty,” Miller’s family will be able to gather for his final rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.

The original identification error was made based on the presence of Miller’s identification tags. Armed with new forensic standards and technology from the 21st century, DPAA dug into a “detailed review of archival records, case files, and identification methodologies used in the 1940s.” With that, they were finally able to make the proper identification for Miller’s remains.

Miller’s family and friends–niece Fayette Moore; nephews Michael and Lance Hamilton; great-niece Avila Moore; great nephew Brent Moore; and more–will be alongside Miller during the transfer of his remains from the Indianapolis Airport to Crown Hill Cemetery.

DPAA says Miller’s name and service will be fully honored Friday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. The service will have the full ceremonial protocol, including military pallbearers, a flag presentation, and a rifle salute.

The service is open to the public, and Miller’s family encourages the community, veterans, and civic leaders to join them.

“Private Miller will be remembered not only for his bravery on the battlefield but also for the enduring love and dedication he showed to his family and country. His steadfast spirit and commitment to service reflect the very best of America’s military heritage,” DPAA wrote in the announcement. “To his family he is remembered for his love of classical music and his unbelievable musical talents. By the young age of seventeen he was composing classical music and symphonies. Some of his arrangements will be played at his memorial.”

About The Author

See author's posts