Dorie Miller

Doris "Dorie" Miller (1919–1943) was an African American U.S. Navy sailor who became a symbol of courage and heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Assigned to the USS West Virginia as a ship's cook, Miller was below deck when the surprise Japanese attack occurred. Witnessing the destruction and chaos around him, he made the extraordinary decision to move to a gun station and operate anti-aircraft weaponry despite having no formal training in combat operations. Miller's actions during the assault helped defend his ship and likely saved countless lives. His bravery was officially recognized, making him one of the first African American servicemen to be decorated for combat heroism, though racial discrimination of the era meant he did not receive the full recognition his actions deserved. Miller was later killed in action in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed during the Gilbert Islands campaign. His legacy has grown significantly over the decades, and he is now celebrated as a pivotal figure in American naval history and in the history of African Americans in the military. The USS Dorie Miller, a guided-missile frigate, was named in his honor, cementing his place in American military heritage.