On the morning of September 28, 1918, Major Oscar F. Miller’s Third Battalion of the 361st Infantry, 91st Division, emerged from two days of grinding combat in the Argonne Forest. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, launched on September 26, had already exacted a heavy toll. Miller’s men, many from the American West, had pushed through dense woods, tangled wire, and German machine-gun nests while under constant artillery fire. Physically spent and mentally strained, they now faced a prepared enemy position south of the village of Gesnes.
Miller, a 35-year-old Arkansan who had entered service from Los Angeles, reorganized his battered battalion despite his own exhaustion. He ordered the attack. As the line moved into open ground, German machine guns opened from the front and both flanks while artillery shells burst among the advancing companies. The formation began to waver. Miller did not remain in the rear. He placed his headquarters group between the leading companies and personally led the charge forward.
His presence steadied the line. The men pressed on. A bullet struck Miller in the right leg. He staggered but kept moving at the head of his command. Moments later another round hit his right arm. Still he advanced, cheering the troops through the storm of fire. Just short of the objective a third wound, this one in the abdomen, dropped him to the ground. Even then he refused to quit. He called out to his soldiers to push on to the next ridge and leave him where he lay.
The battalion, though cut to pieces, reached the high ground that would later be called Miller Hill. Miller was carried from the field. He died of his wounds the following morning, September 29, at a dressing station. For his actions that day, a grateful country awarded him the (Congressional) Medal of Honor, posthumously. The citation recorded how, after two days of intense strain, he had inspired his men by personal courage under fire that would have stopped most officers.
Miller’s stand was one episode in the largest American battle of the war, an offensive that would last until the Armistice of Compiègne ended The Great War, two months later. Yet on that single September morning, a major who had already given everything, still found the strength to lead from the front, absorb three wounds, and send his battalion onward. His men remembered the “Powder River” battle cry that rose as they followed him across the open ground. The 361st Infantry would later name its athletic field in his honor, a quiet acknowledgment that leadership, even when it costs a life, can carry exhausted soldiers through fire they might otherwise have broken under.
Major Oscar F. Miller’s Congressional Medal of Honor Citation
After two days of intense physical and mental strain, during which Maj. Miller had led his battalion in the front line of the advance through the Argonne Forest, the enemy was met in a prepared position south of Gesnes. Though almost exhausted, he energetically reorganized his battalion and ordered an attack. Upon reaching open ground the advancing line began to waver in the face of machine-gun fire from the front and flanks and direct artillery fire. Personally leading his command group forward between his front-line companies, Maj. Miller inspired his men by his personal courage, and they again pressed on toward the hostile position. As this officer led the renewed attack he was shot in the right leg, but he nevertheless staggered forward at the head of his command. Soon afterwards he was again shot in the right arm, but he continued the charge, personally cheering his troops on through the heavy machine-gun fire. Just before the objective was reached he received a wound in the abdomen, which forced him to the ground, but he continued to urge his men on, telling them to push on to the next ridge and leave him where he lay. He died from his wounds a few days later.
I am always in awe of the courage of the men and women serving in our armed forces. These brave individuals know they may have to pay their “Last Full Measure” in fulfilling the duties required of them. I admire all of them. But when I read a story of a soldier like Oscar Miller, my level of respect goes up – and right off the charts. We owe all the men and women, of our armed forces, our sincere respect – and appreciation. Stories like this make me proud to be an American. God Bless the USA! And God bless all of our troops – especially those in harm’s way!
The Original Grey Beard Biker™
gbb@TheGreyBeardBiker.com
@_RockyTop_Biker on X
@RockyTopBiker on YouTube