GLENN MILLER AWARD
On October 5, 2024, the Air Force Public Affairs Association inducted Major Glenn Miller into its Hall of Fame. Addressing the annual meeting of the organization in San Antonio, Texas, Dennis M. Spragg accepted the Glenn Miller Award on behalf of his family and many friends. Thanking the organization, Spragg shared a presentation about Major Miller’s historic and exceptional service in the Army Air Forces. The presentation describes his key role in the wartime AAF public relations mission and AAF radio broadcasting. Spragg also details Miller’s deployment to Europe and the circumstances of his disappearance in flight on December 15, 1944. Therefore, the 2024 AFPAA Glenn Miller Award is a fitting tribute to an Air Force Public Relations legend.
FITTING TRIBUTE
The AFPAA Glenn Miller Award honors an American musical Icon and genuine patriot. In September 1942, America’s number one bandleader enlisted. During 1943, he became a key AAF public relations asset. as Director of Bands for the AAF Training Command, he created a network of base bands, radio production units and an elite concert orchestra. Moreover, in June 1944, summoned by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, his elite unit deployed to Europe, where they conducted hundreds of broadcasts and concerts. As Gen. James Dolittle remarked, “Next to a letter from home, your band is the greatest morale booster in the European Theater.” The following eight-minute video describes Major Miller’s extraordinary service:
LEGACY
On December 15, 1944, Major Miller disappeared aboard a flight from England to France. His intention in boarding the unscheduled flight in marginal weather conditions was to complete preparations to move his unit from London to Paris. tHE AAF never found any trace of the Eighth Air Force Service Command C-64 Noorduyn Norseman airplane, pilot or passengers. The Air Transport Command had canceled scheduled flights aboard C-47 transports. Unaware of Major Miller’s intention to accept a casual ride from an acquaintance, SHAEF G-1 Gen. Ray Barker exploded, “how the hell did we lose Glenn Miller?” Eighth Air Force Deputy Commander Gen. Orvil Anderson replied, “I am afraid they’ve bought it.” A formal inquiry determined the C-64 vanished over the English Channel due to a combination of pilot error, mechanical failure, and poor weather. To this day, Major Glenn Miller remains “missing in action.” The Air Force considers him “the father of modern military music.” Furthermore, His music is truly appreciated as the “soundtrack of the greatest generation.” Learn more about Glenn Miller: