Former World War II veteran shares harrowing tale of time as prisoner of war

ByStephanie Buckner, The Cleveland Advocate
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Former World War II prisoner of war Cliff Miller spoke at the meeting of the Cleveland Lions Club, where he posed with club members.
ktrk-Stephanie Buckner/HCN

CLEVELAND, TX -- Photographs were passed around to members of the Cleveland Lions Club as local World War II veteran Cliff Miller spoke of his experiences in a Japanese prisoner of war (POW) camp. The photos, many etched with names of those depicted, offered a glimpse into the torturous times that these men were forced to endure, many dying of starvation and other afflictions.

More than anything, the photos provided proof that the war-wearied men, most with small, skeletal frames that could be seen clearly, were there for a period of time when war was a way of life.

Miller joined the fight at 16 years old, going into the United States Army with many other underage soldiers - all fresh off the Depression-era and looking toward any chance of a brighter future.

Read more from The Cleveland Advocate, a Houston Community Newspaper partner

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