We honor the extraordinary bravery of Doris Miller, a U.S. Navy Mess Attendant who became one of the most recognizable American heroes of World War II.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Miller was serving aboard the USS West Virginia. When the ship was struck, Miller didn’t hesitate. He raced to aid the mortally wounded captain, carried injured shipmates to safety, and then, without any formal weapons training, manned a .50 caliber anti-aircraft gun and returned fire against the enemy.
For his courage under fire, Doris Miller became the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross, one of the Navy's highest honors. 
Though he lost his life in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed, his legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and service above self.

DORIS MILLER MEMORIAL PARK

Doris Miller, an African American hero of World War II, was born in Waco, Texas, on October 12, 1919, to sharecroppers Connery and Henrietta Miller.  Despite being assigned to the Stewards Branch as a cook due to racial segregation in the U.S. Navy, Miller's courageous actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, made him a notable figure.  Without prior training, he manned an anti-aircraft gun, downing two Japanese planes and assisting in the rescue of wounded soldiers after exhausting his ammunition .  Initially referred to as the "unnamed Negro messman," Miller's heroism was reluctantly acknowledged by Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, who opposed Black men in combat roles.  Knox’s prejudice and intense hatred, represented by his statement that Black soldiers were "trying to break into a club that doesn't want them.", stood in sharp contrast to the courage and fortitude exhibited by heroes like Doris Miller.  Miller received high honors, including the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart, for his extraordinary courage.  He was commended by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who remarked on the significance of Miller's recognition as the first African American to receive such high tribute in the Pacific Fleet.  Despite his newfound celebrity status, Miller returned to sea and was killed in action when the USS Liscome Bay was sunk by a Japanese submarine in November 1943.  His legacy endured through films and statues honoring his heroism .  In 2010, Miller was honored on a U.S. postage stamp and posthumously received the distinction of having a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named after him .  These recognitions underscored Miller's lasting impact and contributions to World War II, despite the prejudice and racism he faced,  Miller's act of courage would have been forgotten if not for advocacy and recognition, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the contributions of people of color in shaping history .  His legacy serves as a testament to the resilience and bravery of African American servicemen during World War II, challenging systemic racism and discrimination. 

In the middle of Pearl Harbor, courageous and bold, 
Doris Miller stood tall, with a heart of gold, 
A heroic effort, something so true, 
Manning a gun, despite what he knew. 
 
Targeting the enemy and doing it no fright, 
Doris Miller, the hero of the night. 
From a mess attendant to a warrior, 
He showed to be a true leader. 
 
Inspiring others to stand up and fight, 
For all people, he became an inspiration and a light. 
He saved lives and protected his crew,
Doris Miller, the man that everyone knew.


DORIS MILLER

Service

WORLD WAR II

PURPLE HEART

US NAVY,

CK3

Resting Place

DORIS MILLER MEMORIAL PARK

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us