Perry L. Miles

Perry L. Miles (October 15, 1873 – October 17, 1961) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, and World War I, he attained the rank of brigadier general, and his awards and decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, and Purple Heart from the United States, as well as the French Legion of Honor (Officer) and Croix de Guerre with Palm.

A native of Westerville, Ohio, Miles was raised and educated in Columbus, and was an 1891 graduate of Columbus High School. He then attended the United States Military Academy (West Point), from which he graduated in 1895 as a second lieutenant of Infantry. Miles served in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and China Relief Expedition. As his career advanced, he served both in the United States and the Philippines, and was a 1915 graduate of the Army Service Schools and a 1916 graduate of the Army School of the Line at Fort Leavenworth. In the period immediately preceding World War I, he served at Camp Harry J. Jones, Arizona as his regiment patrolled the U.S. border with Mexico during the Pancho Villa Expedition.

During the First World War, Miles commanded the 371st Infantry Regiment, a unit of the African-American 93rd Division, which he led during combat in France. After the war, he graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College (1920) and United States Army War College (1921). His later assignments included command of the 16th Infantry Brigade (now the United States Army Military District of Washington), and the 1st Infantry Division. Miles retired in 1937.

In retirement, Miles lived in Staunton, Virginia, where he authored a memoir and participated in numerous civilian activities that supported the U.S. effort in World War II. He died in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 1961, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Early life

Perry Lester Miles was born in Westerville, Ohio on October 15, 1873, the son of Judge James Alexander Miles and Mary Esther (Longwell) Miles. His family soon relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where Miles was raised and educated. Miles graduated in 1895 ranked 23rd of 52 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry. Among his classmates who later attained general officer rank were Casper H. Conrad Jr., Adrian Sebastian Fleming, and Thomas Walter Darrah.

Start of career After receiving his commission, Miles was assigned to the 14th Infantry Regiment at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. Upon arriving in San Francisco in the summer of 1900, he was informed that the 14th Infantry had been dispatched to China as part of the China Relief Expedition, the U.S. response to the Boxer Rebellion. He performed transport duty until December 1901, after which he joined the 14th Infantry at Fort Niagara, New York, where he resumed command of Company M. In 1907, he was assigned as assistant professor of military science and tactics at Girard College in Philadelphia.

Later career Col. & Mrs. Perry L. Miles, March 14, 1924. National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress. In July 1920, Miles was promoted to permanent colonel, and in August he began attendance at the United States Army War College. In 1932, he was promoted to brigadier general and assigned to command the 16th Infantry Brigade (now the United States Army Military District of Washington). Miles assumed command of the 1st Division in October 1936, and from January to October 1937, concurrently commanded the division's 1st Infantry Brigade. During World War II, he participated in support efforts on the home front, including service as chairman of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Defense Council, the Staunton and Augusta County War Finance Committee and the Staunton Salvage Committee. In 1924, he received the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his February 1899 heroism while serving in the Philippines.

Distinguished Service Cross citation The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Perry Lester Miles, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with 14th Infantry, in action near Manila, Philippine Islands, 5 February 1899. During the attack by two companies of the 14th Infantry on blockhouse No. 14 and adjacent trenches strongly held by insurgent forces, when the commanding officer was mortally wounded, the advance was checked and the troops were partially demoralized in the face of a heavy concentrated fire from the front and both flanks, Lieutenant Miles assumed command, ordered the advance to continue, and went along the line with utter disregard of the hostile fire and urged his men forward. Then, with exceptional gallantry and the highest qualities of leadership, he dashed forward, many yards ahead of his men, calling on them to follow, and drove the enemy from their position. His splendid example of personal heroism, courage, and coolness furnished the needed inspiration to the wavering command and resulted in the successful accomplishment of a seemingly impossible attack.

Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 10 (1924)

Army Distinguished Service Medal citation For meritorious services. As commander of the 371st Infantry, which, during its active operations, was attached to French forces, he conducted his regiment with success. By his tact and sound judgment he maintained at all times harmonious relationship with the allied forces to which his unit was assigned, rendering important services to the American Expeditionary Forces.

Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 89 (1919)