02/26/2026
🖤 Honoring Black Veterans | Black History Month 🖤
Doris Miller
World War II | U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 2nd Class
During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris “Dorie” Miller was serving as a cook aboard the USS West Virginia. When the ship came under heavy fire, Miller carried wounded sailors to safety and, despite having no formal training, took control of a machine gun and fired at attacking enemy aircraft.
For his extraordinary courage and heroism under fire, Miller became the first African American awarded the Navy Cross, one of the Navy’s highest honors for valor.
His actions challenged barriers, changed history, and left a legacy of bravery and service that continues to inspire generations of Sailors and Veterans.
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