John Miller

Living… aboard a transport headed for Normandy, France. Miller has been at war for years, and is becoming more aware of the possibility that he may never see his home again.

Profession… captain in the 2nd Rangers Battalion of the United States Army and former English composition teacher. Miller joined the U.S. Army Rangers in 1942, and quickly found himself serving in Tunisia, where he fought in the battle of Kasserine Pass. Here, he met Sergeant Mike Horvath, whom he fought alongside in Operation Torch, and now in Operation Overlord.

Interests… the simple pleasures of gardening, family, and coaching baseball.

Relationship Status… happily married. Miller’s wife is his reason to live—his reason to follow orders, no matter how difficult they are to understand. When he finally opens up about his personal life to his men, the first thing he mentions is his wife: “I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even going to recognize me, whenever it is that I get back to her. And how I'll ever be able to tell her about days like today.”

Challenge… surviving the war and making it home to his wife. Unfortunately, even after he survives the incredibly deadly landing at Normandy, Miller still has dangerous work to do. He’s been tasked with finding Private Ryan, the only surviving soldier out of the four Ryan brothers that were shipped off to war, and returning him home.

Personality… mature, pragmatic, and serious. Miller has adapted his personality to the rigors of war. He is an effective leader and well-suited to the high-pressure decision-making that comes with the job. An ideal soldier, Miller recognizes the importance of following orders, and that sometimes you have to lose one man to save ten. But he’s not sure he sees the sense in sacrificing eight men to save one.