Miley, Michael E.

Description

Michael Edward Miley was born on May 17, 1896, in Rye, New York, the son of John Miley and Lulu Renahan Miley. He was raised in Rye and educated in the local public schools, reflecting a life rooted in the community from an early age.

By the time of his World War I draft registration in 1917, he was living at 31 Isabel Street in Rye and working as a chauffeur for Harry Billington, a position that reflects the service roles supporting Rye’s residential and estate economy during the early twentieth century.

World War I Service

Michael E. Miley entered military service on November 21, 1917, at Fort Slocum, New York. He was initially assigned to the 21st Recruit Company at Fort Slocum before being transferred on November 28, 1917, to the 652d Aero Squadron.

The 652d Aero Squadron was part of the United States Army Air Service, the Army’s aviation organization during World War I. The squadron had originated as the 334th Aero Squadron, organized on September 8, 1917, and subsequently redesignated the 652d Aero Squadron (Supply). Its work supported the Army’s expanding aviation program through supply and other aviation support functions.

Miley served with the 652d Aero Squadron until July 8, 1918, when he was transferred to the 334th Aero Squadron. His military record shows that he was promoted to Corporal on March 14, 1918. A contemporary Rye newspaper article published on December 24, 1918, identifies Miley as a mechanic in the aviation corps, providing additional insight into his wartime duties.

Miley served overseas from August 1 through December 11, 1918. The 334th Aero Squadron crossed to England as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. During the final months of the war, members of the squadron were stationed in England, including at the 33d Training Depot Station at RAF Witney in Oxfordshire and later at RAF Tangmere.

The December 24 Rye newspaper account reported that the 334th Aero Squadron was still stationed in England when the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. As a result, Miley did not see service in France. He did, however, travel through England during his time overseas.

Following the Armistice, Miley returned to the United States aboard the transport Adriatic, arriving in New York on December 12, 1918. He was immediately sent to Camp Mills. According to the newspaper account, Miley deliberately did not notify his parents of his arrival because he wanted to surprise them. After completing his discharge formalities, he returned home to his parents’ house on Grapel Street in Rye, where his unexpected arrival created a memorable homecoming.

His service record states that Miley sustained no wounds or injuries in action. He was honorably discharged on December 21, 1918, upon demobilization, returning to Rye only three days before the newspaper account of his homecoming was published.

Life After Service

Following his return from military service, Miley remained in Rye, where he built a long and steady career. He worked for approximately forty-five years as a funeral director’s assistant and chauffeur with the William H. Graham Funeral Home, becoming a familiar figure within the community.

He was an active member of the Church of the Resurrection in Rye and belonged to the Carl Anderson American Legion Post 559 in Harrison, maintaining strong ties to both his church and fellow veterans.

Michael E. Miley died on April 26, 1963, at United Hospital in Port Chester, New York, at the age of 67 following a brief illness.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Mary Ryan Miley, of the home address; his son, John A. Miley of Rye; his sisters, Miss Jane F. Miley and Elizabeth T. Miley, both of Rye; and one nephew.