Captain John H. Miller (died June 13, 1944) was a United States Army officer during World War II. Along with his men, he was tasked with saving a Private named James Ryan, who had unknowingly lost his three brothers in the war and was to be sent home.
After fighting to reach Ryan and losing several of his men in the process, Captain Miller found the Private refusing to abandon his fellow soldiers in the defense of a bridge over the Merderet River in the town of Ramelle. Miller and his men assisted Ryan in the defense of the bridge, at the cost of Miller's life, as well as three more of his men.
His last words to Ryan were to request him to earn the sacrifices of his men to save his life. A request that Ryan would question himself of achieving in 1998, when he visited Captain Miller's grave.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Before World War II, Miller was a schoolteacher, teaching English composition in the town of Adley, Pennsylvania at the Thomas Alva Edison High School. He was also the coach of their baseball team.
United States Army service[]
Death[]
Legacy[]
In 1998, Private Ryan visited Miller's grave with his family. After asking his wife is he was a good man, Ryan saluted the grave, in respects to the man that saved him.
Behind the Scenes[]
John H. Miller is a fictional character created by Robert Rodat.
Appearances[]