Daniel Joseph Miller Jr.

Daniel J. Miller Jr. was born in Suffern, NY on August 14, 1946, to Daniel J. and Julia V. Miller. Growing up in a military family, he attended many different schools across multiple states. He graduated from Wooster High School in Reno, Nevada where he earned a scholarship to play football in college.

In September of 1966, at the age of 20, he entered the United States Army where he served as an Infantry Captain for the 1st squadron (Airmobile) 9th Cavalry, during the Vietnam War. It was here, due to his exceptional flying skills he would be known for the next 40 years as “Ace.” Dan earned multiple awards for his heroism, valor & exemplary duty in Vietnam.

He was awarded his first Silver Star for his actions on October 9, 1970. During an emergency extraction mission of a long-range reconnaissance patrol. His helicopter came under intense hostile fire causing total loss of hydraulic assist to the controls. He remained calm during the heavy fire and dangerous weather, finished his mission and was able to safely land his aircraft.

He was awarded a second Silver Star for his gallantry in action on February 28, 1971. While on a visual reconnaissance mission during heavy ground fighting his aircraft came under intense antiaircraft fire from a well-fortified enemy position. Despite the hail of enemy rounds exploding all around him and with complete disregard for his own safety, he maneuvered his aircraft only meters from the deadly emplacement and valiantly dropped marking smoke grenades on the dangerous site. As he remained exposed to the enemy fire, he was able to successfully complete the rest of his mission.

He was honored with the Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions beyond the call of duty. Under heavy fire, during an extraction of a reconnaissance patrol, Captain Miller was able to maneuver his aircraft above the team, as the team began to board the aircraft the enemy made a final attempt to destroy his aircraft, but he continued to calmly hover above the pickup zone until the entire team was safely aboard. A second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross was earned for his professional tactics while maneuvering at dangerously low altitudes marking enemy antiaircrafts sites for his aerial artillery section.

After his military service, his passion for flying continued in his work as a helicopter pilot overseas for private companies in West Africa, The West Indies and Cairo, Egypt. Always traveling in and out of the US to spend time with his family. At the age of 65 he ended his career as a Pilot and began to oversee the pilot training division at Petroleum Air Services. He retired as the Director of Training at the age of 70. Dan moved back to Florida where he was remarried in September of 2019.

Dan passed away May 27, 2022 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife Lilian, Daughter Kelly (John), Son Daniel and three Grandchildren Ruby, Rick and Breyden. Fond memories can be shared at www.hgmandarin.com.

Please join the family for a visitation on Tuesday June 14, 2022 at 9:30am at Hampton Glen Clubhouse, 8515 Hampton Ridge Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256. A funeral service will follow at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11:00 am, 9800 Baymeadows Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32256. Dan will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to one of Dans favorite Charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, stjude.org/donate.