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Edwin
Swain
Miller
November 15, 1910

–

December 6, 1991

Edwin Miller graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lowry (DD-770)

    Action Date:

    April 30 – June 22, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Edwin Swain Miller (NSN: 0-72280/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LOWRY (DD-770), on radar picket duty from 30 April to 22 June 1945, during the assault and capture of Okinawa Gunto. Despite the constant strain of impending and actual enemy air attack, Commander Miller displayed outstanding personal bravery and leadership, and maintained his crew in a high state of morale and fighting efficiency. During the numerous attacks by low-flying enemy suicide planes, he ably directed the gunfire of his ship and succeeded in destroying four enemy planes and assisted in the destruction of five others, while sustaining only minor damage and casualties to his ship and crew. The Combat Air patrol controlled by his ship accounted for the destruction of over thirty enemy planes. On 28 May 1945, during a particularly heavy attack and upon observing that a friendly ship had been struck and severely damaged by two enemy aircraft, he, with exceptional courage and seamanship, coordinated and supervised the rescue of numerous survivors of the stricken vessel. Through his highly commendable and aggressive performance of duty, while in great personal danger, he contributed materially to the successful completion of this hazardous operation, and proved to be an inspiration to his officers and men. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 1966 – June 1968
    Board Serial 5771 (June 6, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Edwin Swain Miller (NSN: 0-72280/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Portugal, from January 1966 to June 1968, and concurrently as Commander, Iberian Atlantic Command from December 1966 to June 1968. Demonstrating exceptional professional competence and leadership, Rear Admiral Miller skillfully guided the Military Assistance Advisory Group in the extremely effective execution of its mission and responsibilities with respect to the Military Assistance Program in Portugal, thereby further strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding existing between Portugal and the United States. Concurrently, he served most ably as Commander, Iberian Atlantic Command. The establishment of this new North Atlantic Treaty Organization command necessitated lengthy, intricate, and timely negotiations and coordination with the host country. Throughout the initial basic planning period, Rear Admiral Miller consistently exhibited the initiative, foresight, and skill which has contributed so significantly to the orderly progress and confidence of his command. By his outstanding leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Miller upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lowry (DD-770)

    Action Date:

    January 3 – 18, 1945
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03976

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Edwin Swain Miller (NSN: 0-72280/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LOWRY (DD-770), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 3 to 18 January 1945. Although constantly subjected to fire from hostile shore batteries and to persistent and dangerous enemy air attacks, Commander Miller skillfully directed his ship in bombarding enemy shore batteries and beaches, in performing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine screening duties, and in providing fire support for underwater demolition units in this area. By his able leadership and gallant devotion to duty, he contributed greatly to the success of the LOWRY in this vital engagement and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    March 28 – May 30, 1965
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 1650 (July 21, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Edwin Swain Miller (NSN: 0-72280/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Vietnam Patrol Forces SEVENTH Fleet from 28 March to 30 May 1965. As Task Force Commander, Rear Admiral Miller was responsible for the activities of the patrol forces assigned which ranged from minesweepers through destroyers to cruisers, and included patrol aircraft. In assuming the direction of the newly-established Vietnam Patrol Force, he drew together all the myriad details associated with the conduct of a complex operation aimed at the prevention of infiltration from the sea. The operations involved most extraordinary complications in environment, communications, and coordination with the Republic of Vietnam Navy. Rear Admiral Miller has contributed, through his penetrating observations, data which will be invaluable in future operations. This operation involved the surveillance, with limited forces, of over a thousand miles of Vietnamese coastal waters, wherein many thousands of craft of all types were engaged in a wide variety of activities. Rear Admiral Miller nevertheless was highly effective in the disposition of his forces, and was instrumental in the development of concepts, plans and techniques by which these problems could be effectively attacked. By his outstanding leadership, judgment and dedication to duty, Rear Admiral Miller upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.