Columbia VA Honors Korean War Hero Lt. James B. Miller During Memorial Ceremony

This year’s ceremony honored U.S. Army 1st Lt. James B. Miller, a native of Marion, South Carolina, who was killed in action on July 26, 1953—one day before the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. Miller was the first Black officer from Marion County, remembered as a trailblazer who broke racial barriers and led with distinction.

The program began with the singing of the U.S. and South Korean national anthems, followed by remarks from local leaders and a performance of the Korean folk song Arirang by South Carolina Philharmonic pianist Xueying Piao, accompanied by cellist Edwin Chi.

Miller’s sister, Mary Miles, held a letter her brother had sent home from a field hospital in 1953 while stationed in South Korea. “Though he is no longer with us,” she said, “his sacrifice, honor and spirit live on. We will always remember and cherish his bravery.” She described him as “a trailblazer, a hero and a man of courage,” recalling how he gave his life to save a fellow soldier. “His legacy extends beyond his service on the battlefield,” she said, “and his memory continues to encourage those following in his footsteps.”

South Carolina State Rep. Heather Bauer (District 75) spoke about the war’s impact and the enduring U.S.–Korea alliance. “Because of the sacrifices of our men, women and the fallen we honor here today, South Korea is a free, prosperous and democratic nation of 51 million people and a stronger partner and ally to the United States,” she said. “We live in a more just and prosperous world because of the sacrifices of the South Carolinian service men and women, like Lt. Miller, who answered the call.”

Young Nam-Hong, a member of the Korean Society of Columbia and a survivor of the Korean War, reflected on the personal meaning behind those sacrifices. “Because Lt. James B. Miller and many other heroes from South Carolina gave their all, countless lives were saved. Including mine,” she said. “Their courage on the battlefield lives on in the freedoms we cherish and the lives they touched. In moments like today, I, as a survivor of the Korean War, have the honor and the responsibility to stand here, remember our heroes, and from the depth of my heart say, ‘thank you.’”

David Brett Vess, acting director of the Columbia VA Health Care System, emphasized the importance of remembering those who served. “This ceremony serves as a reminder that our commitment to Veterans doesn’t end on the battlefield,” he said. “Lt. Miller’s story reflects the ultimate sacrifice made not only for our country, but for the preservation of freedom around the world.”

The event concluded with participants placing flowers atop the Korean War Memorial located on the Dorn VAMC campus.

For more information about what’s going on at the Veterans medical center, clinic locations, and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.