[1][3] He briefly studied at the University of Idaho before joining the United States Army Air Forces, serving during the last two years of World War II.

During this time, he spent portions of several summers working in the Territory of Alaska and also studied at the University of Washington, Seattle, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952.

[4][1][3] Miller sold the holly farm in 1953, the same year he married Diana Mary Doyle in Seattle and established a collection agency there.

[11] He pushed the Congress to approve the pipeline over the objections of Federal Judge George Hart and the Alaska Legislature for funds to build a road to the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field.

[11][12] In 1970, seeking election to a full term, he saw his popularity diminish as his former running mate, Walter Hickel, delayed issuance of the permit to build the pipeline.

[4] That term was cut short due to a challenge of the redistricting plan drawn up by the Alaska Supreme Court in 1972, centered on the apportionment of Senate districts in Anchorage.