Name: Wilbur Harold MILLER
Rank / Rating: CMM-Chief Machinist's Mate
Service #: 337 11 42
DOB: Dec 12, 1920
From: Russellville, MO
Parents: Frederick William and Christine Kuhlmann Miller
Went Aboard: Apr 27, 1940
Age When Ship Went Down: 24 years, 7 months, 18 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Patricia Stephens (Admin)
Date Posted:
MILLER, Wilbur H
Wilbur was born 12 Dec 1920 in California, Moniteau Co., Missouri. He was the son of Frederick William and Christine Kuhlmann Miller. He had one sister, Virginia Miller.
Wilbur was only 14 years old when his mother died on 7 Jan 1934. At an unknown time, Wilbur's father moved to Russellville, MO.
He attended the Christian Day-school and was confirmed on 25 Mar 1934. He was a very active member of the church and prior to enlisting in the Navy, Wilbur was president of the Walther League, an organization of young people within the church.
He graduated from California high school.
Wilbur enlisted in the US Navy on 17 Jan 1939 at St. Louis, MO. He was received on 28 Feb 1939 at the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, IL., for 16 weeks of basic training.
He went aboard USS Maryland BB-46 on 21 May 1939 as a AS (Apprentice Seaman). She was a Colorado-class battleship based at Long Beach, CA. She was in no operations or engagement during the time Wilbur was on board.
There are no muster rolls for Maryland available online for the months of June to Nov 1939. His name is not found in the Report of Charges for this period.
Wilbur's rate advanced on 16 Dec 1939 from F3c to F2c (Fireman 2nd class) "to fill quota" of the ship.
Wilbur is recorded on Maryland's muster roll for the quarter ending 31 Mar 1940 as a F2c.
27 Apr 1940 was Wilbur's last day on board Maryland. He was transferred for duty on USS Indianapolis CA-35 and went aboard that same day.
Wilbur's rate and rating was advance on 16 Feb 1941 from F1c to MM2c (Machinist's Mate 2nd class). He remained a MM2c through 1941 and up to the second quarter of 1942.
19 July 1942 was a great day for Wilbur. He had earned the rating MM1c, USN.
When the new year rolled around, Wilbur had been in the Navy for four years. He had a decision to make and he made it on 16 Jan 1943 when he extended his enlistment for two years. His reenlistment was effective the next day.
His dedicated service continued and he was made CMM (Chief Machinist's Mate - Acting Appointment) on 1 Oct 1943. An acting appointment was usually made when there was a vacancy to be filled. If Wilbur performed well in his new position he was eligible for a permanent position.
His Chief Petty Officer status remained the same for the next two years, then he faced another decision. His previous two year enlistment ended on 15 Jan 1945. He proved he had no intention of leaving the Navy when he reenlisted the next day for four additional years.
Wilbur suffered a non-life-threatening injury on 31 Mar 1945 when a Japanese Kamikaze plane glanced off the side of the ship and released a bomb that plowed through the decks and exploded beneath the ship. Nine crewmembers were killed and 20 injured. Wilbur received the Purple Heart for his injury.
Wilbur was granted a furlough and he arrived at his father's home on 7 May 1945. He enjoyed nine days with family and friends and said goodbye on 16 May to return to Indy.
Wilbur would never see his family again and a permanent appointment would never be granted. He was lost at sea on 30 July 1945 when Indianapolis was sunk by two torpedoes from Japanese submarine I-58.
At the time of his death, Wilbur had served his country for five and a half years. He was 25 years old.
Wilbur was present on board for all 10 engagements for which Indianapolis was awarded 10 battle stars. He was entitled to wear the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with two silver stars, each representing 5 battles.
His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines.
Well Done, Faithful Sailor. You are not forgotten.
Source CreditsU.S., World War II Navy Muster Rolls, 1938-1949[database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry Operations Inc, 2011.
Moniteau County Herald (MO), Thurs, May 17, 1945, p. 1; citing 7 years in USN
California Democrat, (Moniteau Co., MO), Thur, Nov 22, 1945, p. 1 & 5; citing Memorial Service for Miller
Moniteau County Herald (MO), Thur, Nov 22, 1945, p. 1 & 5; duplicate posting of Memorial Service for Miller
wilburn_miller_memorial2
Navy Department, Casualty Section, Office of Public Information (1946): Combat Connected Naval Casualties, WWII, by States; Vol. AL-MO; MO, p. 17; citing father of Wilbur Miller
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/135786768/christine_louise-miller: accessed June 24, 2025), memorial page for Christine Louise Kuhlmann Miller (20 Aug 1886-7 Jan 1934), Find a Grave Memorial ID 135786768, citing Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, California, Moniteau County, Missouri; citing the death of Christine Kuhlmann Miller
Rank / Rating: CMM-Chief Machinist's Mate
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