Indianapolis WWII veteran to be laid to rest after remains identified

INDIANAPOLIS – An Indianapolis soldier killed during World War II will be laid to rest this week decades after an identification error.

Pvt. LeRoy B. Miller Jr., 19, of Indianapolis, was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 8, 1944, amid fierce fighting during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest near Kommerscheidt, Germany.

In September 1947, remains were recovered from a mass grave of American and German soldiers. Miller’s remains were identified based on the presence of his dog tags. Decades later, that identification turned out to be in error.

Extensive DNA testing and analysis later identified the correct remains belonging to Miller. Those remains arrived at Indianapolis International Airport on Friday, Aug. 15, during a dignified transfer.

A graveside service is scheduled for Crown Hill Cemetery on Friday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. It will include full military honors, such as military pallbearers, flag presentation and a rifle salute.

The service is open to the public and all are invited to attend, especially military veterans.

“This event is so meaningful because it further shows us that we [veterans] will never be left behind,” said J. Stewart Goodwin, executive director of the Indiana War Memorials Commission. “I am looking forward to seeing as many of our brothers and sisters in arms as possible honor one of our own as he comes home.”

According to his family, Miller was a talented musician who composed classical music and symphonies at the age of 17. Some of his arrangements will be played during Friday’s memorial.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner Buchanan in coordination with the Indiana Military Funeral Honors Team and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and the Patriot Guard.