Born: December 13, 1921
Died: June 13, 1987
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan, Tinian
Highest Rank Attained: Second Lieutenant
Decorations:
Silver Star, Purple Heart
Miller Blue was born in Florida in 1921; his mother, Harriet, died from complications shortly after his birth [source]. Miller enlisted in the regular Marines in 1940, and served with the headquarters of Parris Island after his graduation from boot camp.
Blue was assigned to Charlie Company of the First Separate Battalion in late 1942. He traveled to Camp Pendleton with them, where they became Company C of the 24th Marines. Blue was a sergeant at the time of the regiment's creation, and served as a section leader in the battles of Namur and Saipan.
Miller Blue was promoted to Platoon Sergeant on July 18, 1944, shortly before the attack on the island of Tinian. He received a Silver Star for his actions on July 25.
Blue survived Tinian, and was given a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the fall of 1944. He was transferred to another combat outfit as a platoon leader, and was wounded in action.
Lieutenant Blue stayed in the Marines after the end of World War 2. His career took him through the Korean War and into Vietnam, where he served as the assistant Chief of Staff (G-4) of the First Marine Division from 1971 to 1975. He retired as a full colonel.
Miller Blue died in 1987. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego.
Photo by Jerry Huffman, FindAGrave.com volunteer.