 | On August 7th, 1942 the First Marine Raider
Battalion made a amphibious raid on Tulagi Island to divert attention from the first Allied counteroffensive of the war: Guadalcanal. The battle raged on this tiny island as the battalion drew heavy fire, paying heavily for this diversion. As a Marine fell wounded and helpless in full view of the enemy, Lieutenant (jg) Samuel S. Miles, USNR, began making his way to aid this fallen Raider. Shortly before reaching the Marine, he was killed by a hail of rifle fire. For his heroism, he was awarded a Silver Star and became the namesake of the fighting ship USS Samuel S. Miles. (Click here for an account of the Marine Raiders’ actions on Tulagi Island).
One year before his death, Lt. Miles was enjoying a peaceful civilian life and was probably looking forward to a career as a doctor. His sacrifice is typical of the “Greatest Generation” that went to war." |  |