Cadet Obituaries

Format: 2026

Douglas"Otto" Miller

1971
 

Douglas “Otto” Miller, 66, of Palm Beach, FL, passed away on Feb. 26, 2019 in the loving arms of his children. He was born a shining star to parents Sharon and Charles Miller, on Nov. 11, 1952 in Parkersburg, WV.

He graduated from Parkersburg Catholic High in 1970 and then went on to study Business and play football at Greenbrier Military Academy, and West Liberty State University.

Otto worked as an Automotive Dealer/ Owner for 45 years, earning him his title “Otto of the Palm Beaches.” After which he continued his journey as a car connoisseur buying and selling antique cars, hot rods, along with many other luxury vehicles. Otto was known to many as being a character, one of a kind, and world’s best-dressed man. Because he had a zest for life, he was everyone’s best friend! His love for people and the world was uncanny. There’s not a city in the U.S. where he didn’t know someone. He was also known for being the ultimate prankster. There was always someone laughing and never a dull moment when ‘Otto’ was around.

He was a football enthusiast, had a huge passion for antique cars, reading, telling stories, listening to music, and unconditionally loved his children and grandchildren. Otto was honored with many awards for selling the most automobiles, including selling the most Rolls Royces in the world, one year in the ’70s. Otto also won many awards that he couldn’t share details about in public, just ask his friends.

Otto is survived by Daughter, Stephanie Miller; Son, Douglas Miller; his three most prized possessions, his grandsons, Solomon, Croix, and Kingston; Fiance, Lili; Brother, Rock Miller; and Brothers from another mother, Zack Justice and Bill Poole; as well as hundreds of cherished close family and friends. Otto is preceded in death by his parents and Brother, Joseph Miller.

The family has chosen to have A Celebration of Life which is scheduled for June 8, 2019, on National Best Friends Day at 1 pm in Palm Beach, FL. There will also be a Memorial in Parkersburg. No date yet. Please contact Stephanie Miller for further details Ottoscelebration@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated for final expenses. Please contact Stephanie Miller for donations.

Capt. Charles W. Ehmka

1938
 

Capt. Charles W. Ehmka, GMS 1938, Port Huron, Michigan. KIA D-Day, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. US Army, Company B, 743rd Tank Battalion. Purple Heart.

The 743rd Tank Battalion was a US Army independent tank battalion in the European theater during World War II. It was one of five tank battalions which took part in the initial landings of the Invasion of Normandy. The battalion was selected to be one of the three tank assault battalions that would land with the first wave on D-Day. Companies B and C were given amphibious dual drive variant of the Sherman tank (16 in each) and began their special training in December 1943.[

Charles William Ehmka is buried or memorialized at Plot H Row 7 Grave 18, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.

Herbert J. Thomas

1937
 

After a PG year at Greenbrier, Herbert attended VPI, prior to military service. GMS Hall of Fame

SERGEANT HERBERT J. THOMAS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle at the Koromokina River, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on November 7, 1943. Although several of his men were struck by enemy bullets as he led his squad through dense jungle undergrowth in the face of severe hostile machine gun fire, Sergeant Thomas and his group fearlessly pressed forward into the center of the Japanese position and destroyed the crews of two machine guns by accurate rifle fire and grenades. Discovering a third gun more difficult to approach, he carefully placed his men closely around him in strategic positions from which they were to charge after he had thrown a grenade into the emplacement. When the grenade struck vines and fell back into the midst of the group, Sergeant Thomas deliberately flung himself upon it to smother the explosion, valiantly sacrificing his life for his comrades. Inspired by his selfless action, his men unhesitatingly charged the enemy machine gun and, with fierce determination, killed the crew and several other nearby defenders. The splendid initiative and extremely heroic conduct of Sergeant Thomas in carrying out his prompt decision with full knowledge of his fate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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