WWII Navy Hero Honored with Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal

Richard E. “Dick” Miralles, a former Aviation Radioman 2nd Class with Bombing Squadron 21 of Carrier Air Group 11, has finally received long-overdue military accolades. His awards include the Air Medal for 14 separate Strike/Flight missions and the Distinguished Flying Cross with three gold stars for achieving extraordinary feats during 85 combat flights between August 16, 1942, and July 25, 1943.

In a heartfelt ceremony, Lt. Cmdr. Brantley Harvey, executive officer of Navy Reserve Center Sacramento, presented these honors to Miralles. Friends and four generations of his family witnessed the event. Reflecting on the occasion, Miralles poignantly remarked, “I accept these for all of those that didn’t make it back.”

Aged 99, Miralles is recognized as the last surviving veteran of Carrier Air Group 11. He received the awards just days shy of his 100th birthday, which he will celebrate on July 28, 2024. Miralles’ naval career began at the age of 17 in the back seat of an SBD Dauntless dive bomber, witnessing the horrors and heroism of war. Miralles survived multiple crash landings and even being torpedoed on the USS Honolulu.

Despite his valiant service, Miralles completed his military duties in 1945 without receiving his due recognitions. His long-overdue recognition was finally realized when he connected with George Retelas, the grandson of a former shipmate, during a search for fellow veterans of CVG-11. Retelas took the initiative, writing to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, which ultimately led to Miralles receiving his awards.

“It was a great honor to help him get his awards,” stated Retelas. “Mostly, it was an honor to spend time with him. Hearing his stories and the oral history of the service members was such an honor. Dick is the last living member of Air Group 11, so being there for the award pinning was so special because at any age, but especially at his age, every day is a gift.”

After his military service, Miralles dedicated over 30 years to the California Department of Forestry, now known as CalFire. He even authored a memoir titled “War and Fire,” documenting his experiences in both the Navy and Forestry.

Currently, Miralles resides in Sacramento, California, with his wife Joy. This Sunday, friends and family will gather at his church to commemorate his milestone 100th birthday.