Sergeant First Class Herbert A. Miller, of Fernwood, New York, whose life was saved by fellow POW Chaplain (Capt.) Emil Kapaun during the Korean War, died on Nov. 22, 2023. He was 97.
During the Battle of Unsan, Korea, Nov. 2, 1950, Chinese Communist forces encircled the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Chaplain Kapaun moved fearlessly from foxhole to foxhole under direct enemy fire in order to provide comfort and reassurance to the outnumbered Soldiers. Kapaun pushed aside a Chinese soldier preparing to execute Miller, whose injuries prevented him from walking on his own. Kapaun carried and supported the hobbled sergeant over the more than 60 miles they marched to the POW camp. Kapaun’s continued support saved Miller’s life and inspired the other American captives around him.
When Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 11, 2013, it was his bravery in saving Miller’s life that was mentioned in the citation. Miller, with his wife, Joyce, by his side, was seated in the front row during the White House ceremony.
Kapaun's remains were not identified until 70 years after he died in captivity. During Kapaun’s funeral mass in Wichita, Kansas, on Sept. 29, 2021, Miller was in the front row again, with Joyce by his side, to say “Goodbye” to his friend.
Social Sharing