Walter E. Miller was born on December 5, 1917, in New York. He was the son of Frances Miller. He was employed as a bookkeeper before enlisting in the service on January 29, 1942. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Waist Gunner of B-17 #42-107138 nicknamed ''Witka Tanka Ton'' during World War II.
On November 21, 1944, B-17G #42-107138 departed from Nuthampstead, England, for a bombing mission over Merseburg, Germany. After successfully releasing its bombs on target, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters. The assault caused severe damage to the No. 2 engine and struck the No. 4 engine as well, ultimately leading to the bomber crashing near Merseburg during the mission. Of the ten crew members aboard, seven were killed in action.
SSgt Miller was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Saint Charles Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, USA. Walter E. Miller's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 1 (left), on Butterfly 1, in the top left wing (section A).
Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org