African American cook who became a hero during the attack on Pearl Harbor, receiving the Navy Cross for bravery and selfless actions.
Doris Miller, a mess attendant second class in the United States Navy, is renowned for his extraordinary bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross, Miller's selfless actions that fateful day would etch his name in the annals of American history.
Born on October 12, 1919, in Waco, Texas, to Connery and Henrietta Miller, Doris grew up in a humble household. With little expectation of rising through the ranks, Miller enlisted in the Navy in 1939, where he was relegated to menial tasks as a mess attendant.
On December 7, 1941, Miller's life took a dramatic turn. As Japanese bombers descended upon Pearl Harbor, Miller, without hesitation, sprang into action. He helped carry wounded sailors to safety, exposing himself to the barrage of gunfire and explosions. Then, despite having no prior training in gunnery, he manned an antiaircraft gun, downing between four to six enemy planes.
Miller's heroism did not go unnoticed. On May 27, 1942, Admiral Chester Nimitz presented him with the Navy Cross, the third-highest naval award for bravery. Although many believed he deserved the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, Miller's nomination was met with resistance from Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, who opposed Black sailors serving in combat roles.
In June 1943, Miller was promoted to Cook Petty Officer, Third Class, a testament to his growing reputation as a decorated war hero. His newfound status, however, was short-lived.
In November 1943, Miller's ship, the escort carrier Liscome Bay, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Makin in the Gilbert Islands. Tragically, Miller was killed in action, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations to come.
The USS Miller, a Knox-class frigate, was named in his honor in 1973 and remained in service until 1991. More recently, on January 19, 2020, the Navy announced that a Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, CVN-81, would bear his name, a fitting tribute to a man who broke barriers and defied expectations.
Doris Miller's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, courage, and equality. His bravery paved the way for future generations of African American sailors to break down racial barriers in the military. Miller's legacy continues to inspire, a testament to the enduring power of heroism and sacrifice.
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