James Franklin Miles was born on October 16, 1919 and lived in Chatwood, just outside of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was one of six children. James attended West Chester High School. He attended the Baptist Church in town and was a member of the Fame Fire Company. After his schooling he worked for Ball and Ball Brass Work. He married Sandra Adams of Delawanna, New Jersey.

James entered service in the Army in April, 1942. He trained at Ford Eustis, Virginia, Camp Sheridan Illinois, and for a time was a military guard at an aircraft factory in Paterson, New Jersey. He was later sent to Camp Stewart, Georgia, then to Fort Meade, Maryland. James was shipped overseas to the European Theater on January 31, 1945.

Corporal James Franklin Miles was Killed In Action on February 20, 1945 in Germany. His parents received the fateful telegram on March 4th. He was survived by his wife, Sandra, and a 9 month old child.

Credits

Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC