Courtesy Photo | Lt. Gen. Thomas H. Miller Jr. is considered to be the Marine Corps’ “father of the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Construction on the new consolidated staff noncommissioned officers’ and officers’club is in its final stages, and Marine Corps Community Services recently announced the date for the grand opening and dedication ceremony.
A ribbon cutting will symbolize the club’s grand opening Oct. 28. It will be named Miller’s Landing in honor of the late Lt. Gen. Thomas H. Miller Jr., known as the Marine Corps’ “father of the Harrier.”
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is the only place Marine pilots are trained to fly the Harrier, making this dedication even more significant to the Marines here.
“The fact that Lieutenant General Miller was the first American to fly the AV-8A makes him symbolic to Corps aviation and to this air station as well,” said Bob Kenward, MCCS marketing director.
Miller’s moment in Marine Corps’ history started one day in October in 1968 when he was 44 years old and a colonel. At the time he was the head of the Marine Corps Air Weapons Requirements Branch in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation. That day was special because he was about to man an aircraft that would change Marine Corps aviation.
The jet was different than any aircraft any Marine or American had ever flown. New technology thought to only be science fiction up to then had become reality. It was a Harrier, a subsonic fighter jet that could take off and land vertically and in short distances. The specially designed Pegasus engine and adjustable jet nozzles could make the more than six tons of aircraft, weapons and fuel float in the air.
As with every new experimental aircraft there was a certain amount of risk, but the strange new British design wasn’t about to stop Miller from flying. The eager colonel successfully piloted the AV-8A Harrier Jump Jet that day, becoming the first Marine aviator to ever do so, solidifying his role in Marine Corps aviation history.
Later in his career as a brigadier general in Vietnam, Miller still flew combat missions from time to time. As a lieutenant general, Miller was looked at as one of the Corps’ most important aviators in history with combat flight time in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
John Glenn, a man who also played an important role in American history as an astronaut and Senator of Ohio, was a close friend of Miller’s since they flew together in World War II and Korea.
Glenn spoke to the Senate about Miller in 1975 saying, “He is dedicated to doing what is right, is a fine Christian gentleman in every sense, and I deem our country is fortunate to have a man of his caliber.”
When Glenn was told of the upcoming dedication he spoke nothing but words of adoration for his deceased friend and added he plans to be here for the dedication ceremony in October.
“Any time you name something, you hope it stands not just as a memorial, but as an inspiration to people,” Glenn said. “For his record as a citizen and a Marine, you can’t find a better role model than Tom Miller.”
After the historic Harrier flight, Miller’s notable career continued at Cherry Point as the assistant wing commander of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and later as the commander of 2nd MAW in 1972. Miller retired from the Marine Corps July 1, 1979, as a lieutenant general.
Miller exemplified what the Marine Corps warrior should be in his combat ability, leadership qualities and moral standards, which led to a successful 37-year career. After retirement, he went to live in Arlington, Va., where he died of cancer Nov. 27, 2007. Miller was given a proper military burial and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
Miller is survived by his two daughters who plan to be present for the dedication of the club in October.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2010 11:16 |
| Story ID: | 53631 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 423 |
| Downloads: | 185 |
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