Thomas Dawayne Miller

Corporal Thomas Dawayne Miller was born near Okmulgee, Oklahoma on 17 February 1933 to Edith and Clarence Miller. Their lives were challenged by the trying times of the Depression and World War II. After a family breakup, the boys and mother moved to Garber, OK and lived with grandmother, Rose.

In 1948, Grandmother Rose moved to Perry where Dawayne became an outstanding student athlete and leader for Perry High School, playing football, basketball (team Captain in Senior year), and baseball. One of his best friends, Richard Earl Kerr (1931-2022) from Garber, decided to join the military after their 1951 graduation. They both enlisted in April 1951. Earl joined the Navy and Dawayne became a Marine.

In December 1951, Corporal Miller, arrived in Korea and joined an artillery unit, D Battery, 2nd/11th Marines, as a Wireman. Although the war entered peace negotiations in July 1951, combat would not cease until July 1953. On 5 October 1952, for Miller’s actions at Combat Outpost Frisco, he was awarded the Silver Star. His award reads in part, "…for conspicuous gallantry… in action against [Communist Chinese] aggressor forces. Assuming the duties of both radio operator and artillery observer when his team sustained heavy casualties, Corporal Miller exposed himself to intense and accurate hostile mortar, artillery, and sniper fire to call and adjust accurate artillery supporting fire… Although mortally wounded when an enemy shell fell directly on his bunker…he succeeded in instructing another Marine in the operation of his radio before succumbing to his wounds. [He was 19 years old.] By his outstanding courage, daring initiative… Corporal Miller served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service..." Other awards Miller received include the Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon.

Dawayne Miller is buried in Garber Cemetery near his mother and grandmother.