Samuel S. Miles (DE-183)
(DE-183: dp. 1,240; l. 306'; b. 36'7"; dr. 11'8"; s. 20.9 k.; cpl. 216; a. 3 3", 6 40mm., 14 20mm., 2 dct., 9 dcp.; cl. Cannon)
Samuel Stockton Miles was born on 12 November 1913 in Philadelphia, Pa. He received a B.A. degree from Princeton University, Princeton, N. J., in 1936, and an M.D. degree from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., in 1940.
Samuel S. Miles was appointed Lieutenant (jg.), Medical Corps, USNR, on 16 May 1942. During the American attack upon Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942, Samuel S. Miles bravely sought to administer medical treatment in the forward area. While attempting to reach casualties despite hostile fire, he was killed by the enemy. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the Silver Star.
Samuel S. Miles (DE-183) was laid down on 5 July 1943 by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newark, N.J.; launched on 3 October 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Samuel S. Miles; and commissioned on 4 November 1943, Lt. Comdr. George B. Coale in command.
Following shakedown off Bermuda, Samuel S. Miles departed New York, N.Y., on 30 December 1943, and steamed via the Panama Canal to the Marshall Islands, arriving on 19 February 1944. Serving as an escort ship in the Marshall Islands area, she protected fleet oilers during fast carrier air strikes against the Caroline Islands and the Hollandia, New Guinea, area in April. Next she guarded oilers during the capture of Saipan and Tinian, and splashed two enemy planes on 18 June. She supported the Leyte and Luzon, P.I., campaigns in late 1944 and early 1945. Samuel S. Miles sank I-177 near the Palau Islands on 3 October. After guarding the invasion force at Iwo Jima in February, she screened the bombardment group that pounded Okinawa, where she splashed one enemy plane on 27 March. A kamikaze near-miss killed one of her crew members on 11 April, and damaged some of her equipment. After screening escort carriers operating north of Okinawa, she sailed to the west coast in July.
After overhaul, she voyaged via the Panama Canal to Norfolk, Va., arriving on 21 October. Reaching St. John's River, Florida, on 8 November 1945, she decommissioned and entered the Reserve Fleet on 28 March 1946. Struck from the Navy list on 26 September 1950, she was transferred to France.
Samuel S, Miles received eight battle stars for World War II service.
