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Houlahan Joins Local Veterans and Law Enforcement to Celebrate Oldest Living China-Burma-India Theatre of WWII Veteran, Alfred ‘Al’ Miller

In ceremony at the West Chester American Legion, Rep. Houlahan gifted SSG Al Miller American flag pin from President Biden

West Chester, PA, August 13, 2021
Tags: Veterans
  • Al Miller pin

WEST CHESTER – This week, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) celebrated the oldest living China-Burma-India Theatre of WWII veteran in the country. Alfred ‘Al’ Miller, a West Chester resident, was surrounded by friends and family as he was honored for his heroism nearly 80 years ago.

 

“Walking into the American Legion, the sign read ‘Al Miller, 104 years young,’” said Houlahan. “And boy was that true! It’s always a profound honor and privilege to recognize our local heroes, but Al Miller is more than that. He represents an often-forgotten theatre of WWII, one that was pivotal to the Allied war effort. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I know I wouldn’t be alive today were it not for veterans like Al who answered the call to serve when our nation and world needed him most.”

 

Born in 1917, SSG Miller has been an active member of American Legion Post 134 in West Chester since 1947. He lives in the West Chester borough with his son, Steve Miller.

 

“When I heard our community was home to a living legacy, I knew we had to do something special,” said Houlahan. “That’s where the idea of the American flag pin from the White House came in. President Biden was eager to help and sent us his office’s commemorative pin. It was a truly special moment.”

 

SSG Miller was part of the U.S. Army’s military police force and a combat veteran of the China-Burma-India theatre. He helped protect the infamous Ledo Road in China, ensuring that Chinese nationals were able to receive life-saving supplies. After returning from his tour, Al obtained his engineering degree from Drexel University and worked for GM until his retirement 40 years ago.

 

During Tuesday’s event, he was celebrated not only by Rep. Houlahan but also by members of the American Legion, VFW, Disabled Veterans of American, Military Officers Association (Valley Forge chapter), West Chester Police Department, and active duty Army and Air Force members from the local recruiting station.

Rep. Houlahan pins American flag from White House on Al Miller as son, Steve Miller (left), looks on.

 

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