On December 7, 1941, Doris Miller expected, like many other Americans, to wake up and head to his job as a cook. The Second World War was raging in Europe, but America had not yet entered the war. But the attack on Pearl Harbor changed everything, and instead of preparing food and measuring seasonings, United States Naval Serviceman Doris Miller would find himself manning a machine gun to take down planes sent from Japan to destroy the Naval base. His bravery would lead him to some of the highest honors a Sailor can earn and break racial barriers during a less-than-enlightened period of U.S. history. Suggested read:Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know

Doris Miller, Pearl Harbor, and Entering a World War

Doris “Dorie” Miller was a U.S. Navy cook third class who served America from 1939 until 1943. While serving aboard the USS West Virginia, Messman Doris Miller would survive the attack from Japan as torpedo bombers sunk the ship. The situation was chaos. Nobody expected the attack, a key element in Isoroku Yamamoto’s plan to attack Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack would blindside the U.S. and cause service members to answer the call of entering a world war they had been trying to avoid. Miller would survive the attack and played a part in stifling it. The man most known for his ability to work on the cook line sprung into action. The Naval base had become a warzone, and like many others, Doris Miller was ready to defend his country. Thankfully, he was not only ready but also proved himself more than capable.

Doris Miller Becomes the First Black Sailor To Receive the Navy Cross

Receiving any service medal is an accomplishment for anyone, but the Navy Cross requires some of the highest levels of bravery and valor. In order to receive the honor, a Sailor must show extraordinary heroism and put themselves at great risk of personal danger while engaging with an enemy of America in a manner that is above and beyond the usual expectations of battle. It doesn’t get much riskier or unusual than going from line cook to shooting down enemy aircraft. Once Miller reported to his battle station, he would soon learn that one of the seven torpedoes fired at his ship destroyed it. He then reported on deck to be assigned something to assist with, where he was ordered to help carry wounded Sailors. Soon, Miller and his crew would find themselves with orders to defend the sinking ship, and he was directed to help fire Browning .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine guns. The idea was to have Miller feed the gun ammunition, as he was not trained with the weapon, but before this could happen, Miller was already shooting at planes. The total number of planes shot down by Doris Miller is not completely agreed upon, though many believe it to be at least two. Some, such as the East Texas Historical Journal, believe this number to be four. For his actions in Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller was awarded the second-highest medal a Sailor can receive, the Navy Cross. Especially for the time, this was a monumental occasion. Miller helped pave the way for many Black service members and was the first Black Sailor to receive the award. More like this:All-Black Female 6888th Central Postal Battalion To Be Recognized

The USS Doris Miller Is an Upcoming Tribute to His Bravery

Dorie Miller is a testament to the best in mankind. Capable of handling himself through extreme adversity, he worked to save the lives of others all while defending his country. Sadly, through Doris Miller would survive the attack on Pearl Harbor and continue his military career, he would die while aboard the Liscome Bay, a carrier serving in the Gilbert Islands during the Pacific War. Just like its namesake, the USS Doris Miller is another first for the military: the first supercarrier named after an African-American Sailor. The ship is still under construction as of this writing but is planned to be launched in 2029 and commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2032. A First Cut of Steel ceremony was held at Newport News Shipbuilding with members of Doris Miller’s family in attendance. The USS Doris Miller is a fitting tribute to an American hero who helped go above and beyond during his service to our country. Doris Miller is a great example of not only the best in our military but in all of us. Read next:Juneteenth 2022 Will Celebrate Freedom