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Corporal James Beaven Miles

A black and white headshot photo of a young White man in a military uniform.
  • Unit: 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Service Squadron 31
  • Date of Birth: October 13, 1925
  • Entered the Military: February 29, 1944
  • Date of Death: September 13, 2019
  • Hometown: Lebanon, Kentucky
  • Place of Death: Louisville, Kentucky
  • Award(s): American Campaign Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal
  • Cemetery: Section 23, Grave 687. Lebanon National Cemetery, Lebanon, Kentucky
Contributed by Akira Calvin, Sam Dalrymple, Kyli Davidson, Matti Deopore, Autyn Distler, Owen Horton, Kaylee McElroy, Bralee Noe, Avery Perkins, Aubrey Reynolds, Sophia Riggs, Sloane Smith, and Lily
Mentored by Mrs. Laura Craig
Bethlehem High School, Bardstown, Kentucky
2025/2026

Early Life

James Beaven Miles was born on October 13, 1925, in Calvary, Kentucky. His parents were John Miles and Susan (Beaven) Miles. The family owned a farm where all ten children worked. John worked as an assistant engineer for a local water company. 

James attended school regularly and performed well in his classes. He graduated from St. Charles High School in Lebanon, Kentucky, in 1944 and received a perfect attendance award.  

One of James’s roles on the farm was to repair all types of farm machinery, and he always excelled at figuring out how to put things back together. James’s parents were deeply supportive of the war and encouraged their children to join the war effort. Ultimately, James and his brothers Leroy and Durbin would serve in the military, meaning his parents had three sons serving in World War II simultaneously. 

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The 1940 Census shows the Miles family living in Marion County, Kentucky. National Archives and Records Administration.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Miles-Attendance-1943.png" alt="A newspaper article titled “Rev. Dudine Awards Prizes.” " class="wp-image-13448"/>
Miles received a perfect attendance award while he was in high school. The Lebanon Enterprise, May 28, 1943.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Miles-Childhood-1024x819.png" alt="A black and white photo of a two-story house surrounded by a fence and some trees in a rural setting. " class="wp-image-13449" style="aspect-ratio:1.250317662007624;width:676px;height:auto"/>
Miles’s childhood home in Calvary, Kentucky. Courtesy of the Miles Family.

Homefront

People on the home front in Lebanon, Kentucky, played a huge role in supporting World War II, even though they were not fighting overseas. Their daily lives were shaped by sacrifice, rationing, and patriotic responsibility. 

One of the biggest contributions was food production. Because Marion County was largely agricultural, farmers were encouraged to grow food crops instead of tobacco and to raise livestock to feed both Americans and soldiers abroad. Programs connected to the Agricultural Adjustment Administration promoted planting essential crops. Farmers also sold eggs, livestock, and even animal byproducts to companies like the Kentucky Rendering Company to be turned into materials, such as leather and glycerin, for the war. Advertisements reminded farmers that “farm machines are fighting machines,” linking their work directly to victory. As men left for military service, farms faced a growing labor shortage.

Families at home also dealt with rationing and conservation. The government rationed gasoline, meat, sugar, and other goods. Housewives managed ration books and later token systems, carefully stretching food supplies. They saved used cooking fat, which could be turned into explosive material, and collected scrap paper and cartons for shipping war supplies. People were encouraged to view these everyday actions as patriotic duties. Even small acts, like conserving resources, were presented as direct contributions to the war effort. 

A newspaper advertisement featuring a drawing of a farmer driving a tractor with the heading “Farm Machines are Fighting Machines.”
Advertisements in the local newspaper targeted farmers’ contributions to the war effort. The Lebanon Enterprise, March 9, 1945.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Miles-farmlaborshortage-1943-919x1024.png" alt="A newspaper article titled “Farm Labor Situation Helped.” " class="wp-image-13451"/>
Farmers in Marion County struggled to maintain a sizable workforce during World War II because of the volume of young men who enlisted or were drafted. The Lebanon Enterprise, October 22, 1943.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Miles-womenrationing-1944-1024x575.png" alt="A newspaper excerpt featuring an ad encouraging women to save cooking fat. " class="wp-image-13454"/>
The Lebanon Enterprise encouraged women to help the war effort by conserving waste products such as fat on June 9, 1944.

Military Experience

Miles officially enlisted on February 29, 1944, in Lebanon, Kentucky. He completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, with the 6th Recruit Battalion. 

Following basic training, Miles was assigned to the Marine Wing Service Squadron 2 at Marine Corps Air Depot Miramar, California. On June 6, 1944, he joined Marine Photographic Squadron 154 (VMD-154). On November 1, 1944, he was promoted to private first class. 

On June 20, 1945, Miles transferred to Marine Photographic Squadron 954 (VMD-954) and then to Air Casual Squadron 4 on July 24, 1945, to prepare for overseas deployment. On August 27, 1945, Miles embarked aboard USS Banner from San Diego and disembarked in Okinawa on September 20, 1945. He joined the Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314).

On November 16, 1945, Miles joined the Marine Service Squadron 31 (SMS-31) at Yokosuka Naval Base, Honshu, Japan. Here, he served under the operational control of the Eighth Army in the occupation of Yokosuka until June 20, 1946. During this time, he was promoted to corporal. While here, Miles completed a photography course.

Miles was part of the first phase of the American occupation of Japan, which was primarily focused on disarming the Japanese military. The Yokosuka Naval Base housed Japan’s Technical Area Arsenal, which tested rocket and jet propulsion. At Yokosuka, Marines like Miles dumped arms stockpiles and policed the base. 

Miles left Japan aboard USS San Saba on June 20, 1946, bound for San Diego, California. After disembarking, Miles was processed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he received his honorable discharge on August 22, 1946. 

A newspaper article discusses Miles's sister getting his diploma on his behalf.
Miles enlisted before he graduated high school. His sister accepted his diploma on his behalf. The Lebanon Enterprise, June 9, 1944.
A pencil sketch.
Pencil sketch of Yokosuka Naval Base by James D. Reap, Jr., 1945. Falvey Library, Villanova University.
A color photo of an old style camera, leather bag, and a framed certificate.
Miles’s certificate of completion for a photography course and the camera and case he used while stationed in Japan. Courtesy of the Miles family.

Veteran Experience

After the war, Miles moved to Louisville, Kentucky. According to Miles’s daughter, Miles met Theresa Quinlin there. Theresa was originally from St. Croix, Indiana, but moved to Louisville to work. She lived in a boarding house. Miles married Theresa on July 31, 1948, at St. Boniface Church in Louisville, Kentucky. James and Theresa had nine children and were married for sixty-four years.

Miles began his career at DuPont’s chemical plant in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1951. During World War II, DuPont produced rubber for the war effort. The company also manufactured refrigerants and vinyl fluoride. At DuPont, Miles worked in the powerhouse (which housed large boilers that powered the plant) as an operator, then in maintenance. 

In 1965, there was an explosion at the plant, killing twelve. Miles was not working that day, but two of his brothers went missing in the aftermath and were not accounted for until several days later.

Miles retired from DuPont in 1982. Miles also did a variety of work outside DuPont. At times, he was a handyman; other times, he painted or did carpentry. He even built his family’s home.

Miles was committed to serving his community. He donated blood as often as he could, until a medical emergency prevented him from donating anymore. He was a longtime member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. His faith inspired him to become a dedicated volunteer with Hand in Hand Ministries, which recognized him for over twenty years of service. 

In an article recognizing Miles’s contributions, it was noted that he helped with mission trips in Kentucky and even in Belize. Miles contributed his carpentry skills to build and repair homes during these trips. On one of his last mission trips, Miles donated his entire work van, filled with his tools. 

After sixty-four years of marriage, Theresa passed away. James remarried in 2013, marrying Margie Thompson.

A black and white wedding photo featuring a young White man and woman in a wedding gown and suit and tie.
Miles married Theresa Quinlin on July 31, 1948. Courtesy of the Miles Family.
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Miles donating blood in 1963. Courtesy of the Miles Family.
A black and white photo of a younger White man leaning up against an old-style truck
Miles’s children identified this stance as their dad’s signature pose. Also characteristic of their dad is a work truck full of tools, ready to go out on a job. Courtesy of the Miles Family.
A color photo of an elderly White man on a ladder holding up a 2x4 inside a house.
James “Jim” Miles working on a mission trip in Appalachia. Miles volunteered with Hand in Hand into his eighties, c.2012. Courtesy of the Miles Family.

Commemoration

James Beaven Miles passed away on September 13, 2019. He is buried at Lebanon National Cemetery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Miles is survived by nine children, 20 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Each year in commemoration of their father, Miles’s children visit Herrington Lake in central Kentucky to celebrate his love for fishing and boating.

A color photo of several people sitting on stairs.
Miles pictured with his children at his 90th birthday, 2015. Courtesy of the Miles Family.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Miles-Grandchildren-1024x717.png" alt="A color photo of several people of all ages sitting on stairs. " class="wp-image-13463"/>
Miles pictured with his grandchildren at his 90th birthday, 2015. Courtesy of the Miles Family.
A large group of people standing in a cemetery.
The Miles family with students from Bethlehem High School students, March 13, 2026. Courtesy of Laura Craig.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

“19 in Newest Colored Call.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], February 11, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650139). 

“30 Get Diplomas at St. Charles.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653111).

“1943 Report Reveals Amazing Production Of Red Cross Unit.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 3, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650653).

“AAA Program is Outlined.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], February 11, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650139).

“Art for the Readers’ Sake.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 9, 1945. Newspapers.com (1188165881).

“Busy Days on the Farm.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 3, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650653).

“Calvary.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], May 19, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137652757).

“Calvary.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653214).

“Calvary.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], December 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137660446).

“Calvary.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], July 20, 1945. Newspapers.com (1188166338).

“Calvary.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], December 28, 1945. Newspapers.com (1188167354).

“Calvary.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], September 19, 1952. https://kdl.kyvl.org/digital/collection/marion-news/id/11079/rec/3.

“Chelf May Recover House Seat for Democrats, Writer States.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], February 11, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650139).

“Eggs.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], May 19, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137652757).

“Farm Labor Situation Helped.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], October 22, 1943. Newspapers.com (1137647044).

“Farm Machines are Fighting Machines!” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 9, 1945. Newspapers.com (1188165881).

“Fire Away!” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June  9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653111).

“G.O.P. Gains New Voters.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653111).

Hand in Hand Ministries Records. 1999-2019. Courtesy of Ridenour.

“Happy New Year!” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], December 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137660446).

“Invasion of Europe Begins.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653131).

James Beaven Miles. Kentucky, U.S., Birth Index, 1911-1999. Digital Images. https://ancestry.com.

James Beaven Miles. Official Military Personnel File, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

James Beaven Miles. Report of Separation, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

James Beaven Miles. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947. Digital Images. https://ancestry.com.

JAPANESE WARSHIPS AT YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE. Produced by the Department of the Navy, 1945. Streaming Video. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/80591.

Kentucky. Marion County. 1930 U.S. Census. Digital Images. http://ancestry.com 

Kentucky. Marion County. 1940 U.S. Census. Digital Images. http://ancestry.com 

“Kentucky Stock Men Face Feed Shortage.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653214). 

“Let’s Ask Ourselves This.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653214). 

“Majestic Theatre, Arista.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], October 22, 1943. Newspapers.com (1137647044).

Miles Family Records, 1945-2019. Courtesy of Patty and Maria Miles.

Miles, Maria, Patty Miles, Joan Vittitow, and Kerry Miles Wright. Presentation. March 20, 2026. 

Miles, Maria. Telephone interview. October 20, 2025. 

“New Schedule for the Sale of Gasoline.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 18, 1943. Newspapers.com (1137643675). 

“News of County Servicemen.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], November 9, 1945. Newspapers.com (1188166954). 

“Nurse Corps Fund Approved.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], September 10, 1943. Newspapers.com (1137645799). 

“One Flag, One Country, One People.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653131). 

“Ration Point Value on Meats Reduced.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 3, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650653). 

Reap, James Domenico, Jr. “Sketch of Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, 1945.” James D. Reap, Jr. Collection, Villanova University Falvey Library. https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:560893#?xywh=-194%2C-183%2C3386%2C1161.

“Red and Blue Chips Serving As Ration Stamp Change” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 3, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650653). 

“Rev. Dudine Awards Prices.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], May 28, 1943. Newspapers.com (1137643140). 

Rheinhardt, Russell E. “Russell E. Rheinhardt Collection.” Interview by Harold B. Phillips. Library of Congress Veterans History Project. https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.00988/. 

“Save Cartons.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 2, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137652985). 

“Seniors Hear O’Donnell.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653131). 

“Soldiers Paid Tribute Here.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 2, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137652985). 

“Solicitors in Drive Chosen.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], March 3, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137650653). 

USMC 100768: In transport area – Yokosuka base. Produced by United States Marine Corps Films, 1945. Streaming Video. https://digital.tcl.sc.edu/digital/collection/MarineCorps/id/1562.

“Wanted Dead Stock.” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], January 28, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137649796).

“Wedding.” The Courier Journal [Louisville, Kentucky], February 1, 1970. https://www.proquest.com.

“Weddings.” The Marion Falcon [Lebanon, Kentucky], August 5, 1948. https://kdl.kyvl.org/digital/collection/marion-news/id/8781/rec/40. 

“What’s wrong with this picture?” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653214). 

“Will I have enough gas?” The Lebanon Enterprise [Lebanon, Kentucky], June 9, 1944. Newspapers.com (1137653214). 

Secondary Sources

“Background of Controversy in Marion County, 1940s.” Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Last modified February 18, 2014. Accessed November 17, 2025. https://ursulinesmsj.org/background-of-controversy-in-marion-county-1940s/. 

“DuPont, Dow plants have deep Louisville roots.” The Courier-Journal [Louisville, Kentucky], December 12, 2015. Newspapers.com (141068087).

“James Beaven Miles.” Find a Grave. Accessed December 12, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/203073258/james-beaven-miles. 

“James Beaven Miles.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, National Cemetery Administration. Accessed December 12, 2025. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/JAMESBEAVENMILES/97c7a9. 

“Jim Miles.” The Courier Journal [Louisville, Kentucky], September 16, 2019. https://www.courier-journal.com/obituaries/lcj176460.

“Occupation of Japan.” National Museum of the U.S. Navy. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/photography/wwii/wwii-pacific/japanese-surrender/occupation-japan.html 

Stokes, C. Ray, and Tad Darling. “Yokosuka Naval Air Base and Japanese Naval Aviation.” US Naval Institute. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1948/march/yokosuka-naval-air-base-and-japanese-naval-aviation#:~:text=On%20September%207%2C%201945%2C%20Marine,had%20several%20models%20under%20production. 

“United States Marine Corps Cameras at War.” The National WWII Museum. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/united-states-marine-corps-photography.


This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.