[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION AND HONORABLE SERVICE OF COLONEL JUSTIN 
                  McCARTHY ``MAC'' MILLER, USMC (RET.)

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a member of 
the Greatest Generation, Colonel Justin McCarthy ``Mac'' Miller, United 
States Marine Corps Retired, upon the occasion of his 100th birthday. 
Colonel Miller has dedicated his life to service to his community, his 
family, and to our great Nation, and I am humbled to honor him and his 
remarkable achievements today.
   Born in 1914, aviation has always been a stronghold in Colonel 
Miller's life. As a young man, he admired the pursuit pilots, or 
fighter pilots, of the Allied Forces. From his early encounters with 
comic books and magazine covers depicting the Lafayette Escadrille, to 
his application to the United States Naval Academy, Colonel Miller knew 
his life's destiny was to become a fighter pilot.
   While at the Naval Academy, he resigned as a midshipmen and enlisted 
in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation cadet in 1940 before 
receiving his wings in 1941. His first assignment was as an Instructor 
Pilot in Pensacola, Florida, where he would return later in life. He 
then was assigned to Staff and Command school at United States Marine 
Corps Base, Quantico. Though these two assignments were perhaps not the 
most ideal for someone just pinning on wings eager to enter theater, 
shortly after the beginning of World War II, not only would Colonel 
Miller be presented with the opportunity to fly in combat, but he would 
be assigned as the Commanding Officer and take on the role of Executive 
Officer of the newly-established fighter squadron VMF 217, training in 
the F4F Wildcat. In 1943, the squadron embarked on the USS BARNES (CVE-
20) deployed to the South Pacific, transitioned aircraft to the F4U 
Corsair, and flew combat missions over the Solomon Islands. In 1944, 
the squad embarked on the USS SANTEE (CVE-29) and deployed to Guam, 
where they commenced strikes against the island of Rota. In October 
1944, Colonel Miller took Command of VMF-321 until 1945, when the 
squadron returned to the United States. Throughout his tour in the 
Pacific Theater, Colonel Miller commanded two fighter squadrons. He 
then joined the Reserves in 1948 after the end of the war, where he 
continued his career in flight while also proving to be a successful 
businessman, as evidenced by his ownership of many radio stations, 
including WCOA Pensacola.
   Amongst his vast array of accolades and contributions lay a 
century's worth of anecdotes, including being taught to fly his 
favorite aircraft, the F4U Corsair, by the legendary Charles Lindbergh 
himself. Amazingly, throughout his remarkable career, Colonel Miller 
flew 140 combat missions in 31 different aircraft, and received three 
Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals, and four Battle Stars, 
amidst an interminable list of decorations, honors, and awards for his 
distinguished service in World War II.
   Mr. Speaker, Colonel Justin McCarthy ``Mac'' Miller is a valued 
member of our community and national history. He is a true ``American 
Patriot'' and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of being 
a part of his exemplary life. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy 
birthday as he turns 100 years young, and we wish him and his entire 
family all the best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________