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Remember...Robert Clinton Miller
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Robert Clinton Miller was born on January 6, 1930, to Troy Everett and Marian Calhoun Miller in Manheim, Preston County, West Virginia. According to the 1930 Federal Census, the family lived near Rowlesburg, Preston County, where Mr. Miller was a laborer in a cement mill. Their children were Juanita and Robert. According to the 1940 census, the family was joined by Everett, Ronald, and Marguerite. Mr. Miller was then a laborer in a stone quarry. Within the next ten years, two more children were born: Sue and Frankie.
In 1948, Robert graduated from Rowlesburg High School. No records were found that describe his route from Rowlesburg to Korea as part of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.
Prior to 1950, the 1st Cavalry Division was in Japan, where it occupied Tokyo after World War II. According to the 1st Cavalry Division Association, "Over the next 5 years, until the outbreak of the Korean War, the regiment was able to perform many valuable duties and services that helped Japan reconstruct and create a strong, viable economy."
The Korean War started on June 25, 1950, when North Korea breached the border with South Korea and reached Seoul. The United States began sending forces into South Korea within a few days, and the next month, the 1st Cavalry Division joined them.
According to the 1st Cavalry Division Association website,
On 18 July the 1st Cavalry Division was ordered to Korea. Initially scheduled to make an amphibious landing at Inchon, it was redirected to the southeastern coast of Korea at Pohang-dong a port 80 miles north of Pusan. The North Koreans were 25 miles away when elements of the 1st Cavalry Division swept ashore to successfully carry out the first amphibious landing of the Korean War. The 8th Cavalry Regiment, reinforced by division artillery and other units, moved by rail, truck and jeep to relieve the 21st Regiment, 24th Division near Yongdong. By 22 July, all regiments were deployed in battle positions; in itself a remarkable logistical achievement in the face of Typhoon Helene that pounded the Korean coastline.The 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment was deployed north of Taegu, now the temporary capital of South Korea and astride the direct line of enemy advance. In the meantime the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment held positions on the road from Maju to the southwest. Their baptism of fire came on 23 July. The 8th Regiment was hit by heavy artillery fire and mortar barrage, and North Korean infantrymen swarmed toward their entrenched positions. The next day the Troopers suffered their first severe combat losses. For more than 50 days between mid July and mid September, the First team Troopers and the UN Forces performed the difficult, bloody task of holding on to the vital Pusan Perimeter. (William H. Boudreau, "8th Cavalry Regiment," 8 Cavalry History, accessed 6 April 2021, https://1cda.org/history/history-8cav/.)
Of those 50 days, Robert Miller lived for only a few. He died on July 27, 1950, near Yongdong. He died protecting his company and was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry. The account of his heroic actions appeared in the Morgantown Post on January 12, 1951, in a death notice "Manheim G. I. Killed in Korea." The account stated that "although wounded, Private Miller maintained a constant volume of fire against the enemy all during the attack. When told to withdraw with his squad, he voluntarily remained behind and delivered such an effective fire that enemy advances were delayed and his unit was able to withdraw safely."
He was survived by his parents, three sisters, and three brothers.
| It's not clear whether Pfc. Robert Clinton Miller’s remains were recovered immediately, but he was buried in Grafton National Cemetery on July 2, 1951. |  Headstone for Pfc. Robert Clinton Miller in Grafton National Cemetery. Courtesy Cynthia Mullens |
Article prepared by Cynthia Mullens
April 2021
West Virginia Archives and History welcomes any additional information that can be provided about these veterans, including photographs, family names, letters and other relevant personal history.
