Out of the 16.4 million U.S. soldiers who served in World War II, and the less than 50,000 still living, what are the chances that two of those veterans who fought in the same battle would meet 82 years later, living in the same assisted living facility?
Well, it happened in Naperville, Illinois.
Robert Miller and Willard Smith, the former soon to be 100, the latter already 100, recently moved into the Tabor Hills Healthcare Facility. While they likely never met as young soldiers, both served in the famed Battle of Luzon in the Philippines in 1945. The longest battle in the Pacific during the war raged from early January to early August, resulting in a major win for Allied forces, liberating the Philippines from Japanese imperial control.
After more than eight decades, the two veterans were pleased to meet each other and chat about their military experiences. In an interview with CBS News Chicago, they sat down, combed through old black and white photos, and reminisced about their lives as fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds preparing for war.
“They said, ‘You look too young to fight this war,’ and it probably was true,” Miller said.
Bonded by the Battlefield
“That’s me in the service,” Miller said, holding his official military portrait.
Smith still possesses a sharp mind and keen sense of humor despite being over the century mark.
“I always considered myself kind of a nerd, but I look pretty good there,” Smith said, looking over his military photos.
Eighty-two years and over 8,000 miles from where they survived a prolonged, intense battle in the Pacific Theater, Smith and Miller reconnected like long-lost friends.
“And that’s where he was up there, too, and he might’ve gone through the same system probably,” Smith said.
Like millions of World War II soldiers, Miller and Smith hadn’t surpassed two decades of life when they put their fortunes on the line for their country.
More than 8,000 U.S. soldiers were killed in the Battle of Luzon, but Miller and Smith were among the fortunate ones. They both survived, still around to talk about their experiences 82 years later.
Smith recently turned 100 and celebrated with a big party. Miller will hit the milestone next month.
“I’m looking forward to it to a certain degree,” Miller said.
The rarity of two Battle of Luzon veterans reconnecting after all these years was not lost on either Miller or Smith.
“Yeah, isn’t that something?” Smith said.
Life Following War
After the war, both veterans married, raised children and pursued the same career field – teaching. Smith became an art teacher, while Miller was a science instructor. They enjoyed passing on their passions to future generations.
“I think I taught every kind of art there ever was,” Smith said.
Eight decades might have changed the former soldiers in some ways, but in others, they’re still the same bright-eyed, optimistic teenagers they were in 1945. In the interview with CBS Chicago, Smith was pleased that his service hat still fits like a broken-in glove.
“Eighteen years old,” Smith said. “Now, I’m 100 years old... oh, man. Didn’t think I’d make it that far.”
“And of course, you wanted to wear it jauntily, you know, so you’re looking sharp,” he said.
While the scars of combat can last a lifetime, Miller and Smith reflect on the past fondly, forging a friendship connected through a unique bond.
“It brings back a lot of good memories,” Miller said.
Reaching 100, they know their internal clocks are ticking down. Best to savor every moment.
“We had a good run, I think, for a couple of soldiers,” Smith said.
