Dec 12 2024 9 mins 1
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, it's a privilege to share an impromptu interview with Harry Miller, a veteran who served as a tank crewman in the 740th Tank Battalion during this pivotal World War II conflict.
Harry Miller's Background
Born in Ohio during the Great Depression, Harry Miller enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps at 15 by claiming he was 18. He later joined the Army, receiving basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and advanced training at Fort Ord, California, with an amphibious tank unit. In November 1944, Miller arrived in Europe and was assigned to the 740th Tank Battalion. As a crewman in a Sherman tank, he quickly found himself engaged in the Battle of the Bulge. Following the German defeat, his battalion pursued enemy forces across the Siegfried Line, eventually performing occupation duties until the unit's deactivation in 1946.
Interview Insights
In this candid 9-minute interview conducted at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Miller recounts his experiences during the Battle of the Bulge. He describes the harrowing conditions, including the severe cold and the challenges of assembling functional tanks from abandoned equipment. Despite these obstacles, Miller and his fellow soldiers played a crucial role in halting the advance of the German 1st SS Panzer Division, significantly impacting the battle's outcome.
Please note that the interview contains background noise, but the authenticity of Miller's recollections offers valuable insights into this historic event.
Commemorative Events
The 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge is being commemorated through various events, including discussions with veterans like Harry Miller. For instance, on November 13, 2024, the National Archives hosted a program featuring Miller and fellow veteran Frank Cohn, who shared their firsthand accounts of the battle.
Engaging with these narratives allows us to honor the sacrifices of those who served and to preserve the lessons of history for future generations.
