34 years and some months have passed now since Peter Miller left this world. For all who read these words, know that this person was a kind gentle and decent human being. On the morning of Monday, Sept 23, 1968, Peter Miller was flying as left seat gunner co-pilot in a UH1A gunship of the 336th Assault Helicopter "T-Birds". This particular operation was a routine LZ clearing 20 minutes prior to ground force insertion. The terrain was mixed tree and standing water, with many hootches. We criss crossed this LZ many times in the 20 minutes we had before the insertion. The ground and structures were all still wet from previous rains. Many attempts were made to ignite these structures with white prosherous grenades and 7.62 fire. It was just too wet to smoke them out. No fire was recieved until the very last moment as we escorted the UH1Ds with their loads into the LZ. As we flew parallel to the UH1Ds and were coming out of the LZ, three individuals opened fire for a brief moment. Peter Miller was struck in the right upper torso one inch above his chest protector. He was in control of the UH1A when he was hit, he died instantly. The aircraft made a sharp nose over as he released his grip. The right seat aircraft commander made a quick recovery saving the lives of himself and the other two crewman. I know these things because I was there, 100 feet beside him in the trail ship, flying as gunner. God Bless You, Peter Miller... Peter, I shall always remember you. Tom Materene I would like to contact Peter Miller's family.

 

A memorial from a crew member, Tom Materene 908 Big-5 Road, Pahrump, Nv 89048 rockmyworldlg6@hotmail.com  28 Mar 2002

Contact Us

© Copyright 1997-2019 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM)

Last update 08/15/2019.