Wheaton wants permanent reminders of war hero

Now that Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller has become the second Medal of Honor recipient with ties to Wheaton, local officials want to ensure future generations never forget.

Several Wheaton City Council members said Thursday they want the soon-to-be rebuilt bridge at Manchester Road and Wesley Street to be dedicated in Miller's name. And Wheaton North High School officials are brainstorming ideas for creating a permanent memorial honoring the 2002 graduate.

“Rob paid the ultimate sacrifice and saved a heck of a lot of people, Wheaton Councilman Tom Mouhelis said. “We need to do something to honor him.

Miller was killed during a Jan. 25, 2008, battle with Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Despite being injured twice in the chest, the 24-year-old continued advancing, firing and hurling grenades. He drew fire away from fellow soldiers and saved their lives.

During a ceremony at the White House this week, Miller became the second Wheaton native to receive the Medal of Honor. Army Pfc. James Howard Monroe received the nation's highest military honor posthumously, too. He was killed in Vietnam when he threw himself onto a grenade to save other soldiers. A few years after his death, the Wheaton school board named Monroe Middle School after him.

Because there aren't any new schools being built, Mouhelis said he believes it would be appropriate to name the bridge that will carry Wesley Street over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks the “Rob Miller Memorial Bridge. The $9.3 million structure is under construction and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Mouhelis sent out an e-mail informing council members about the proposal Thursday. At least one already agrees it's a good idea.

“He (Miller) certainly deserves to have his hometown honor him for his sacrifice, Councilman John Prendiville said. “That would be a long-lasting way to do it.

Two years ago, St. Michael Parish School dedicated the Robert J. Miller Memorial Plaza at the corner of Willow and Wheaton avenues. Miller graduated from St. Michael school in 1998.

Now Wheaton North is seeking feedback from parents, teachers and students on establishing a permanent tribute to Miller.

“We want to make sure we do it right, said Dan Korntheuer, Wheaton North's social studies department chairman. “We want the students to understand how significant this is and what a tremendous sacrifice it was.

In the meantime, the school is gearing up for a planned Veterans Day event honoring Miller next month.

“The students have been talking about the award and Rob in their classes, Korntheuer said. “We're very proud to say that Rob was a Falcon.

DuPage County Medal of Honor recipients

Ÿ Wells H. Blodgett, born in Downers Grove; served in the Army during Civil War

Ÿ Fred F. Lester, born in Downers Grove; killed June 8, 1945, while serving in the Navy during World War II

Ÿ James H. Monroe, graduated from Wheaton Central High School; killed Feb. 16, 1967, while serving in the Army during Vietnam War

Ÿ James W. Robinson Jr., born in Hinsdale; killed April 11, 1966, while serving in the Army during Vietnam War

Ÿ Lester W. Weber, born in Aurora; killed Feb. 23, 1969, while serving in the Marine Corps during Vietnam War

Ÿ Robert J. Miller, graduated from Wheaton North High School; killed Jan. 25, 2008, while serving in the Army during war in Afghanistan