#VeteranOfTheDay Coast Guard Veteran Miles P. Nesbitt

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Miles P. Nesbitt. Miles served during World War II from 1942 to 1946.

Miles enlisted in the Coast Guard when he was 18 years old. He completed basic training at San Clemente, California before serving aboard the U.S.S. Leonard Wood in the Pacific Theater. With his skills in navigation as a quartermaster first class, Miles aided several operational advancements throughout the Pacific including Operation Galvanic of the Gilbert Islands in November 1943, the Marshall Islands, and during the final invasion on Japan Major. Miles was a helmsman aboard the U.S.S. Leonard Wood when it returned to San Francisco and passed under the Golden Gate Bridge on the day the war had ended on May 8 1945. Miles received several medals including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, Philippines Liberation, the American Campaign and two Bronze Stars.

After completing his service with the Coast Guard, Miles started a trucking business and was self-employed until retirement. Miles passed away in May 2011 at the age of 87 in his hometown of Sequim, Washington surrounded by loved ones.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic by Julia Wang: Julia Wang is an Economics and History of Architecture Major with a Certificate in Civic Leadership at Rice University.