Ranger Hall of Fame
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RANGER WILLIAM THOMAS MILES, JR.
Ranger William T. Miles, Jr. distinguished himself in combat as a member of the 4th Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) in Korea. At the start of the Korean War, Ranger Miles answered the call for volunteers, and received his Ranger training with the 3rd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne), and was reassigned to the 4th Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) in Korea.
With his training as a radio and demolition infantryman. Ranger Miles volunteered and was selected by the G3 Miscellaneous Division as a member of the Operation Virginia I Mission team. On 15 March 1951, Ranger Miles parachuted into North Korea 65 miles behind enemy lines to destroy a vital railroad tunnel southwest of Hyon-ni to disrupt communications and supply lines. He was seriously wounded during evacuation as he was being hoisted by cable into a helicopter. Ranger Miles was awarded a Purple Heart and Silver Star for his actions during this mission.
Volunteering for another mission. Operation Spitfire, Ranger Miles was transferred to the Miscellaneous Division, Baker Section, receiving partisan training. Ranger Miles, as one member of the advance pathfinder party, jumped into the mountains near Karyoju-ri on 18 June 1951 on reconnaissance duty. While scouting out sites for a base camp and prior to the arrival of the other team members. Ranger Miles located two camouflaged shelters used by Chinese troops. He radioed air units and coordinated strikes, destroying the sites and enemy troops. Later, moving ahead of the Operation Spitfire team. Ranger Miles warned of an ambush set up by enemy troops and volunteered, along with a South Korean lieutenant, to hold off the enemy, allowing the rest of the team to escape. With reports of heavy machine-gun and mortar action against the two men. Ranger Miles was presumed wounded and taken prisoner. He was listed as an MIA on 8 July 1951. During this second mission, he earned a second Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Ranger Miles demonstrated exceptional valor under enemy fire placing the lives of his fellow Rangers above that of his own. Ranger Miles was a credit to the Rangers, the United States Army, and the United States of America.
