Capt. Herman Miller

Retired U.S. Navy captain, Herman Edward Miller, 95, of New Britain, died Saturday July 25, 2009 of cancer in the Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General. Capt. Miller stood out as a decorated captain in the U.S. Navy, a pioneering teacher, a hardworking philanthropist for New Britain's Greek community, and a dedicated family man. Miller was born on May 26, 1914, in Tacoma, Washington, to Hadar A. Miller, a wholesale grocery store manager, and Maude Litton, an elementary school teacher. He was the eldest of three brothers. Miller's mother died when he was four years old. As a result, he was forced to help raise his younger brothers from an early age. Miller's father died in 1932, shortly after he enrolled in the University of Washington's forestry program in Seattle. Despite the financial hardships brought on by his father's death, Miller continued attending classes, eventually becoming the top student at the university's College of Forest Resources. Miller also took part in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps NROTC program, at that time a requirement for students attending government schools like the University of Washington. In the summer of 1934, he transferred to the U.S. Naval Academy, being the only person in his congressional district to pass the academy's difficult entrance exam. He graduated in 1938, standing 53rd in a class of 406. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign and was given his first assignment: the U.S.S. Astoria, a destroyer. Miller enjoyed working on large ships, but a submarine demonstration at Annapolis left a lasting impression on him. After qualifying for the various officer jobs on the Astoria, he attended submarine school. It was during this time that Miller met his future wife, Artemis Perakos, with whom he had two daughters, Julia and Mary, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until she died in 2004 of pneumonia. World War II began shortly after his graduation from submarine school. During the war, he served as the executive officer of four submarines: the USS Trumpetfish, USS Kingfish, USS Blenny, and USS Besugo. By the end of the war, Miller served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He sunk 12 ships under his command, including a German submarine, a Japanese troop transport ship, and a fuel ship carrying valuable fuel for Japan's air force. The latter act paved the way for U.S. Naval planes to destroy scores of Japanese fighters left stranded on the ground due to a lack of fuel. For these and other achievements during World War II, Miller received five medals, including a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Legion of Merit, and a commendation ribbon. After the war, Miller was stationed in Key West, where he spent four years developing anti-submarine equipment and tactics. His work contributed to the development of the scanning sonar, the underwater telephone, and a talking sonar system deployed by helicopter. His next assignment led him to Brown University in Rhode Island, where he became the executive officer of the school's Naval ROTC unit. Aside from administrating the ROTC program there, he supervised students on summer training missions to New York and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1953, he became the Chief of Staff of the Military Assistance Group, a unit that provided naval training and support for Taiwan shortly after its leader, Chiang Kai-Shak, and his Nationalist government signed an agreement with the U.S. guaranteeing its defense. There he played the roles of educator and ambassador, serving as an advisor to the admiral in charge of Taiwan's naval academy. He returned to America at the end of 1955, assigned to the Pentagon as Director of Mobilization Plans and Policies for the U.S. Navy. In this role, he developed personnel contingency measures to and reconstitution procedures for the U.S. Naval Reserve in the event of a nuclear attack. Consequently, he was among a small handful of naval personnel marked for airlifting to the famous Mount Weather protection facility, which was built to house key members of the U.S. government during major calamities. In 1959, he became captain of the U.S.S. Amphion, a large repair ship carrying a crew of more than 1, 000 men. There he commanded missions to help NATO allied ships and other friendly vessels in distress. His final assignment took him to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he served as the ranking administrative officer of a shipyard that built nuclear submarines. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1962. Shortly after retiring from the navy, Miller trained to become a science teacher. He attended Central Connecticut State University to earn an education degree. He trained to teach earth science, a new discipline being introduced into the public schools. Upon graduation, he was among the first crop of earth science teachers in Connecticut. He taught the subject for nine years at Washington Junior High School in New Britain. Miller retired from his civilian job in 1972, but he still worked hard. He became an active volunteer and philanthropist, donating much of his time and energy to St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in New Britain. There he supervised the planning and construction of St. George's community center, which was completed in 1980. For 20 years, Miller managed the center's banquet hall. He was also active on St. George's parish council, serving as secretary, treasurer, and then president for 5 years. While many of Miller's lifetime achievements were grand in scale and far reaching in their effects, Miller stayed well-grounded. On a personal level, he was known for his soft-spoken and witty humor, his calm demeanor, and his dedication to family. Capt. Miller is survived by his daughter, Julia Bogdan, his former son-in-law, Roger Bogdan; son-in-law Jim Hules of North Carolina; his sisters-in-law, Signa Miller of Washington, Edith Perakos, Veronica Perakos, Ukey Perakos, Nikki and Sparie Perakos all living locally, and Marilyn and John Perakos of Florida; his grandchildren, Marilyn and Donald LoRusso; Phillip and KC Bogdan of Minnesota; Diane and John McKinney of North Carolina; Douglas Pierce of North Carolina; Billy Hules of Texas; and Tracy Hules of California; and his great grandchildren, Lacey, Michelle, and Daniel Pierce, Katie and Hannah McKinney, and Ashley, Brice and James Hules. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews throughout the country. Miller was predeceased by his wife Artemis Miller and his daughter Mary Hules; his brothers Harley and Jess Miller; his brothers-in-law Stephen Perakos, George Perakos and Socky Perakos. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 a.m. at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 301 West Main St., New Britain, CT 06051, followed by burial Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Trisagion service being held at 7 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund. Please share a memory of Capt. Miller with his family by "clicking" GUESTBOOK at the bottom of the page.

Capt. Herman Miller

May 26, 1914 - July 25, 2009

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Capt. Herman Miller

May 26, 1914 - July 25, 2009

365 Days of Grief Support

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