Intermission Story (1) – A Castaway’s War Against the Japanese
In The Castaway’s War, Stephen Harding has fastened on one U.S. Navy officer’s amazing exploits in the South Pacific—an adventure much publicized during and immediately after World War II, but long forgotten since—and fleshed it out into a full-scale narrative not only of the episode itself, but of the moral and physical shaping of the man who accomplished it. Mining official records of the U.S. and Japanese navies, personal letters, and recollections, Harding creates a retelling that is not only gripping, but fully documented. [Harding is the editor of World War II’s sister publication, Military History.]
The feat that made a hero and news media darling of Lieutenant Hugh Barr Miller Jr. began 43 minutes after midnight on July 5, 1943, off the coast of the Solomon Islands. A Japanese torpedo struck Miller’s destroyer, the USS Strong. Miller rescued many of his men, but before he could board the rescue ship that had arrived, it fled under enemy fire. The USS Strong went down, and Miller went into the water wearing a kapok life jacket. Seriously injured from the shock wave created as the Strong’s depth charges exploded, he was pulled onto a floater net holding three other survivors. The four men washed ashore three days later at Arundel, a small Japanese-occupied island just ten miles long and six miles wide.
Born on 19 January 1910, Hugh Miller became a star quarterback for the University of Alabama in the 1930 season. He led the team to win the Rose Bowl game played on New years Day 1931. The Crimson Tide crushed the Washington Cougars 24-0.
Miller’s incredible tale unfolds over the 38 days he remained stranded. After suffering from near-fatal injuries and exposure to the elements, he ordered the enlisted men who had landed with him to leave him behind and make for an American-held island. However, he miraculously recovered. Using woodsman skills learned in his adolescence and grit inspired by his collegiate football coach, Miller managed not only to evade Japanese search parties, but to kill more than a half dozen Japanese soldiers. The sojourn on Arundel finally ended when Miller signaled a low-flying American TBM Avenger and the pilot sent a seaplane to rescue the lone castaway.
Harding, contemptuous of “the chest-thumping, testosterone-fueled prose” in which Miller’s episode was so often retold in pulp publications in the immediate postwar years, recounts Miller’s story in calm, precise detail, carefully correcting the myths and inaccuracies that adhered over the years. This is Miller’s entire life, sketching in his prewar years and how they forged the man who became the hero of Arundel, chronicling the Strong’s wartime missions and maneuverings, and following Miller through his postwar career as a navy lawyer and military court judge.
So while the heart of the book—the 90 pages covering the time from the torpedoing of the destroyer to Miller’s rescue from Arundel—is certainly the most riveting, the reader is able to put Miller’s experience into the perspective of the full life of a man who, while perhaps not extraordinary, did extraordinary things.
Hugh Barr Miller passed away 21 June 1978.
The Castaway’s War will be made into a full-length movie.
Click on images to enlarge.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
James Celani Jr. – Lancaster, CA; US Navy, Naval Special Warfare Command, Lt. Comdr., pilot
Matthew ‘Hattie’ Hatfield – Everleigh, ENG; British Army, Royal Tank Reg., Cpl.
Darren Neilson – Blockburn, ENG; British Army, Royal Tank Regiment, Cpl.
Fred I. Sonnenfeld – Bronx, NY; US Army, Cpl.
George P. Teel Jr. – White Haven, PA; US Army, WWII, PTO, 8th Army, Cpl.
Robert J. York – Tamaqua, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII & Korea, Lt. Col.
FROM THE USS FITZGERALD
Shingo A. Douglass – San Diego, CA; US Navy, Yeoman 3rd Class
Noe Hernandez – Weslaco, TX; US Navy, Gunner’s mate 2nd Class
NgocT T. Huynh – Oakville, CT; US Navy, Sonar Tech 3rd Class
Alex Martin – Halethorpe. MD; Personnel Specialist 1st Class
Gary L. Rehm Jr. – Elyria, OH; Fire Controlman 1dt Class
Dakota Kyle Rigsby – Palmyra, VA; US Navy, Gunner’s mate Seaman
Carlosvictor G. Sibayan – Chula Vista, CA; Fire Controlman 2nd Class
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Posted on June 19, 2017, in Book Reviews, Current News, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 1940's, Castaway, History, Hugh Miller, Military, Military History, Tributes, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 103 Comments.
What a story but also a good and respectful way to tell it.
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I would expect nothing less from the Aborigines. I’m just glad they finally told the story. Thank you for reading it, Lloyd.
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Aborigines? This is about the sailor who hid out on the Solomon Islands right?
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The Patricia Cam went down just north of Australia. Here is a more complete story..
Click to access narritjins_story.pdf
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Thanks for raising this story again gp, I recall the original post and intended to get a copy of the book, misplaced the book title and forgot about it till now.
Will get it from the library asp, this appears to be a fantastic read on this man.
Cheers.
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I just hope when and if they ever do make a movie, they are realistic about it all.
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I remember reading this story in one of the World War II magazines that one of my floormates gave me. From what I’ve read from other sources, the torpedo that sank the Strong was fired by the Japanese destroyer Niizuki at a remarkable distance of eleven miles from the Strong’s position.
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That is the distance that Wikipedia reports, yes.
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Another interesting story, GP!
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You’ve done quite a bit of reading today, Lavinia, and I have to express my extreme gratitude. All my best to Rick!
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Reblogged this on Practically Historical.
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Thank you. History share is a history learned!
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Another amazing tale added to your enthralling chronicles. From your description, I love the way the book is presented. As has been said, one hopes the movie uses the same restraint and doesn’t ‘Hollywoodise’ it. After the Audie Murphy tale, I wondered what America had needed the rest of their army for.
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Exactly. There are so many stories out there and it would be nice if we could learn them truthfully. Thank you for reading it.
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The Truth is often stranger – and more powerful – than fiction. No need to embellish this story.
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That’s how I feel about it.
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I enjoyed reading the comments almost as much as the post itself: the courage and heart of the WWII generation, the disappointing attitude of the Millennials, the tired casting choices of Hollywood and how they manage to turn incredible stories to drek, etc. Quite amusing.
xx,
mgh
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We do tend to drift off in other directions, don’t we?!!
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As with in true community gathering.
xx,
mgh
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Now – that answer really made me smile!!
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Not sure what’s going on with my typing fingers today, but that was supposed to read “any” not ‘in’ – glad you got the sentiment anyway.
xx,
mgh
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Thank you for sharing great story dear
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You are more than welcome.
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Bummer—Tom Hanks would’ve been great in the movie. Unless, perhaps, it starts with him reminiscing (classic old guy in the rocker on the porch, inquisitive downlines demanding the story…).
(You posted another tale of a guy alone on a Jap infested island who held out too~?)
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During the war a lot of pilots were downed near enemy-held islands and Coast Watchers were placed there purposely to report on the enemy. So it is quite possible this sounds like another story. Thank you for reading this one as well.
Tom Hanks already had his castaway movie and I believe he’s too tall to play this part. 🙂
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Favorite blogggger love uh
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What grit! An amazing story!
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Thank you for visiting today!!
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Love the military humor at the end of this post. 🙂
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Thanks, Doc. Humor helps the morale of the troops and therefore very important. By adding that in the posts, I figure I not only put a little bit in there for everyone, but show how their lives are a variety of the good, the bad and the boring.
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OK, now I’m looking forward to the movie! I suspect it will focus pretty much on those 90 pages. 🙂
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For the most impact at the box window, I would imagine so.
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Another fascinating addition to my education – thanks, GP.
As an ex-actor, I usually reserve my movie-going dollars for films that feature “grown women” (when I left ‘the biz’ only 2% of the ‘substantial’ roles were written for women over 30!). Personally, I tire easily of the ‘guts and glory’ films that everyone else seems to adore and flock to see.
But I may well make an exception for this film, which will certainly feature an all-male cast for at least a goodly portion – especially if they put Miller’s life in context.
Got a chuckle out of your comment re: “the good, the bad and the boring” 🙂
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to educate a world!”
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Thank you for commenting, Madelyn. It’s good to get your perspective.
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You are most welcome, GP – it’s good to have the time to visit today.
xx,
mgh
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Always great to see you here!
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Thanks – always great to be here.
xx, mgh
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What a fascinating story.
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Thank you, Mary Lou! I found it very interesting too.
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That is a good point well made….as well as heroes, these men and women all had many other chapters to their lives than the 90 most exciting pages. Thanks a lot for sharing this story. I had not come across it before.
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My pleasure, John. There are so many stories, it is really difficult to keep up with them all. Pierre Lagace sure does a great job working at it though!!
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Great story! A lesson in courage, determination, and the fight for goodness.
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I sure hope the movie portrays that! Thank you for coming by, Jennie!
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I do, too!
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After going through what he went through it’s amazing that he managed to live to what we now regard as a young age, 68, We must only hope that Hollywood can find a new face to represent Lt Miller with respect; and not go for the money with that Tom Cruise creature
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I am in full agreement with you on that. I watch some of their ‘docu-movies’ and just want to scream – Let’s get real people!!
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Surely there is some unknown aspiring young actor who would perform magnificently, it has happened, can’t recall the last time that it did though 😦
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Not too young, maybe Joseph Gordon-Levitt? He has a young face at 31, so he’d have to look a bit scruffy for the part. Or maybe Jake Gyllenhaal? I’m sure there’s someone.
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Anyone but tom cruise
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No, I don’t think he looks anything like him.
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you very much!
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Thank you for the always very useful information. I had to learn much more. Wish you a nice “war free” time. Looking german TV broadcasters lets think Daesh is present here. We should more trust in God than politicans. Michael.
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Exactly!
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He was a man’s man to use an old phrase.
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I know the phrase. I usually hear it in reference to “Chesty” Puller.
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After reading this riveting post on Hugh Miller, I would really like to see the movie, when it comes out. What an incredible story!
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You and me both, Peter. I just hope they portray it honestly.
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I read his previous “Last Battle” which was a fascinating story. I’ll look forward to this one too!
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I found it fairly cheap here, Dave.
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/ShopBasket?ac=a&ik=22426225838&ir&xbf=/29242345334871012787&clickid=xF7Vf8Qa12C3zGwymZysm34jUkhQ8u1IiyKFTs0&cm_mmc=aff-_-ir-_-59145-_-96540&ref=imprad59145&afn_sr=impact
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To be half that resourceful, brave and determined….
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Can you imagine?!! They were quite an amazing generation!!
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I see this, in some, today. But not like was so evident during that time. I don’t ever want ‘us’ as a world to be tested like that again. I do hope we have that kind of mettle in us still.
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I agree, but fear there is far too much selfishness showing these days.
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We are spoiled by not being tested like that (though tested we have been). But you are right, the selfishness and constant push for ‘more’ is concerning.
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While remodeling my own house, I watched a lot of HGTV and the attitude of the Millennials was alarming.
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It does scare me GP, but I am too stubborn to give up hope on our basic goodness.
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Good for you!!
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What a book! I’m off to Amazon to check on it.
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I found it here, cheaper than Amazon.
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/ShopBasket?ac=a&ik=22426225838&ir&xbf=/29242345334871012787&clickid=xF7Vf8Qa12C3zGwymZysm34jUkhQ8u1IiyKFTs0&cm_mmc=aff-_-ir-_-59145-_-96540&ref=imprad59145&afn_sr=impact
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Compelling story that will make for a fantastic read/movie. These stories need not be forgotten…I thank you for keeping them alive and sharing with people like me who would not otherwise be exposed to them…or even think about them…ashamedly.
Hope you are well and that the light shines on you ❤
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Thank you, Lorrie, for coming by with that outstanding comment. You’ve got me blushing. Sun is still shining, I hope it is for you as well.
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😊 Thank you!! It is always shining…even when there are a few clouds in the way! 💜
Blessitude
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🙂
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Before I reached the end, I was thinking ‘This would make quite a film’
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You know a good story when you hear it, Derrick! Thanks for stopping by!
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What an amazing story. So many people in that generation fall into the category of “while perhaps not extraordinary, did extraordinary things”
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I think that’s exactly why I keep getting more and more amazed by that generation – all they survived and then created when they got back!!
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Reblogged this on Anna Cottage and commented:
Yet again another fabulous Story of courage that must be read.
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So glad you feel as I do that stories like this need to be shared!! Our history has to be learned.
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What a Story. Reblogging, should be seen.
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Glad you feel that way!
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Another great story GP/
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Thank you, Paol.
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The perseverance of the human spirit is so wonderful.
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Humans have more stamina than they give themselves credit for sometimes.
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This is so true.
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🙂
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A great story. I’ll be reading the book and look forward to the movie.
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I happy to hear you find it interesting.
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What an amazing story of heroism and courage. I will definitely look out for the book. Thanks for the post GP.
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No problem. I love stories such as this and had to share!
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This is amazing. I’m going to order the book.
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Glad you’re interested in reading further.
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That story sounds perfect for a film adaptation. I just hope they don’t overdo it, and choose the right actor to play him.
Best wishes, Pete.
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If Hollywood’s making it, you KNOW they’ll overdo it!! haha
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That’s my fear. And some hunky and ridiculously good-looking leading man too, no doubt!
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Of Course!! I looked into it further and all I could locate was that Paul Brooks will be the producer.
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…and change significant details to make it a “better” story!
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Do you mean Hollywood would dare to sensationalize a story? I find that hard to believe, Doug! haha Buy that and I’ll sell you a lot in the Everglades!!
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Much appreciated, my friend.
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