"The Truth About An American Hero..."

Petty Officer Doris Miller, USN

 

82 years ago today, the United States was drawn into World War II by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over the years there have been many documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters which have told the story of the "greatest generation." Often, the stories of the black sailors, soldiers and marines who also gave their service and their lives for their country have been omitted. The Story of Doris Miller and his valiant service and sacrifice (in a segregated U.S. military) culminating in his valorous actions during the attack is one of those stories deserving to be told and remembered. Denied the Medal of Honor because of racism, Miller became the first black recipient of the Navy's highest honor, the Navy Cross.

 

After many decades, a now grateful nation is at last rendering him the honors that he deserves. Announced by the Navy on January 19, 2020, CVN-81, the 4th Ford Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier will be named, USS Doris Miller. The ship is currently under construction in Newport News, Virginia, scheduled to be completed and commissioned in 2032.  CVN-81 will become the first nuclear aircraft carrier named in honor of an enlisted sailor and black American. This is a major break with the tradition of naming the Navy's largest and most important ship class after only presidents, senators, or highest ranking officers of the Navy.

 

Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller, receiving the Navy Cross 

from Adm. Chester Nimitz, May 27, 1942 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Like many of us of my generation, my father and uncles served in the armed forces during WWII. My father served in the same Pacific theater as Petty Officer Miller. Unlike Doris Miller, (who in the end gave the ultimate sacrifice for his nation during the war) my father was one of the lucky ones who returned to civilian life with a new determination to fight yet another battle, one against the injustices that kept America's black sons and daughters second-class citizens even in the midst of war. My father was proud to tell his children the story of Doris Miller and of the many men like him whose stories have become lost to time. Every year on this day, I remember my father's admonishment to never forget the sacrifices that have brought us this far... "We were also there."