View source for Doris Miller

{{Short description|First African American to be awarded the Navy Cross (1919–1943)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox military person
| name          = Doris Miller
| birth_date    = {{birth date|1919|10|12}}
| death_date    = {{death date and age|1943|11|24|1919|10|12}}
| birth_place   = [[Waco, Texas]], U.S.
| death_place   = {{USS|Liscome Bay}}, off [[Makin (atoll)|Makin Atoll]], [[Gilbert and Ellice Islands]]
| image         = Dorie Miller - Restoration, full.jpg
| caption       = Miller wearing his [[Navy Cross]] in May 1942
| nickname      = "Dorie"
| allegiance    = {{flag|United States of America|1912}}
| branch        = {{flag|United States Navy|1864}}
| serviceyears  = 1939–1943
| rank          = Cook Petty Officer Third Class
| servicenumber = 356-12-35
| unit          = {{ubl|{{USS| Pyro|AE-1|6}}|{{USS|West Virginia|BB-48|6}}|{{USS|Indianapolis|CA-35|6}}|{{USS|Liscome Bay}}}}
| battles       = {{Tree list}}
* [[World War II]]
** [[Pacific War]]
*** [[Attack on Pearl Harbor]]
*** [[Battle of Makin]] {{KIA}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| awards        = {{ubl
|[[File:Navy Cross ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Navy Cross]]
|[[File:Purple Heart ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Purple Heart]]
|[[File:Combat Action Ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Combat Action Ribbon]]
 }}
}}

'''Doris''' "'''Dorie'''" '''Miller''' (October 12, 1919{{spaced ndash}}November 24, 1943) was a [[U.S. Navy]] sailor who was the first black recipient of the [[Navy Cross]] and a nominee for the [[Medal of Honor]]. As a mess attendant second class<ref>{{Cite web |title=Veteran Tributes |url=http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=386 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=veterantributes.org}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> aboard the [[battleship]] {{USS|West Virginia|BB-48|6}}, Miller helped carry wounded sailors to safety during the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]]. He then manned an anti-aircraft gun<ref name="navyfaq57">{{cite web |date=June 6, 2017 |title=Miller, Doris |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-m/miller-doris.html |access-date=February 8, 2018 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command}}</ref> and, despite no prior training in gunnery, officially shot down one plane (according to Navy Department records), but Miller and other eyewitnesses claimed a range of four to six.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sapper |first1=Neil |title=Aboard the Wrong Ship in the Right Books: Doris Miller and Historical Accuracy |url=https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1433&context=ethj |website=scholarworks.sfasu.edu |publisher=East Texas Historical Journal |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref>

Miller received the Navy Cross from Admiral [[Chester W. Nimitz|Chester Nimitz]] on May 27, 1942, but many sailors and naval officers believed that Miller's heroism deserved a Medal of Honor.<ref name="PO3 Doris Miller">{{Cite web |title=PO3 Doris Miller |url=https://militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=2866 |access-date=September 24, 2023 |website=militaryhallofhonor.com}}</ref> Miller was nominated for a Medal of Honor by a congressman from [[Michigan]] and a Senator from [[New York (state)|New York]], and the black press enthusiastically campaigned for Miller to receive this decoration. Secretary of the Navy [[Frank Knox]], who opposed black sailors serving the United States in any combat role, recommended against Miller receiving the Medal of Honor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wills |first=Matthew |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Remembering Doris Miller |url=https://daily.jstor.org/remembering-doris-miller/ |access-date=September 24, 2023 |website=JSTOR Daily |language=en-US}}</ref> No black sailor, soldier, or Marine was awarded the Medal of Honor between 1941 and 1945, and in 1996 [[Vernon Baker|Vernon J. Baker]] was the only black veteran of World War II to be [[List of African-American Medal of Honor recipients|awarded the decoration]] while still alive.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2019 |title=Vernon J. Baker - Military Leader - Biography |url=https://www.biography.com/people/vernon-j-baker-403080 |access-date=September 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093914/https://www.biography.com/people/vernon-j-baker-403080 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 }}</ref>

In June 1943, Miller was promoted to Cook Petty Officer, Third Class.<ref name="PO3 Doris Miller"/> In November 1943, Miller was killed in action when his ship, the [[escort carrier]] {{USS|Liscome Bay||2}}, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during the [[Battle of Makin]] in the [[Gilbert Islands]], with the loss of 702 officers and sailors{{snd}}the deadliest sinking of a carrier in the history of the United States Navy.

== Early life and education ==
Miller was born in [[Waco, Texas]], on October 12, 1919, to Connery and Henrietta Miller. He was named Doris, as the midwife who assisted his mother was convinced before his birth that the baby would be a girl.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texasescapes.com/AllThingsHistorical/Doris-Miller-African-American-Hero-of-WWII-AM405.htm |title=Doris Miller: Hero |first=Archie P. |last=McDonald |website=texasescapes.com |date=April 11, 2005 |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref> He was the third of four sons and helped around the house, cooked meals and did laundry, as well as worked on the family farm. He was a [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] on the football team at Waco's [[A.J. Moore Academy|Alexander James Moore High School]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wacohistory.org/items/show/98 |title=Doris Miller |first=Megan |last=Danner |website=wacohistory.org |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref> He began attending the eighth grade on January 25, 1937, at age 17; he repeated the grade the following year because of poor performance, so he decided to drop out of school.<ref name=aiken>{{cite web |url=http://www.pearlharborattacked.com/cgi-bin/IKONBOARDNEW312a/ikonboard.cgi?act=Print;f=20;t=15 |title=Doris Miller and his Navy Cross: a brief biography |first=David |last=Aiken |work=Pearl Harbor Message Board |access-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209093049/http://www.pearlharborattacked.com/cgi-bin/IKONBOARDNEW312a/ikonboard.cgi?act=Print;f=20;t=15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He filled his time squirrel hunting with a .22 rifle and completed a correspondence course in taxidermy. He applied to join the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] but was not accepted. At that time, he was {{convert|6|ft|3|in}} tall and weighed more than {{convert|200|lb}}.<ref name=aiken/> Miller worked on his father's farm until shortly before his 20th birthday.

Miller's nickname "Dorie" may have originated from a typographical error. He was nominated for recognition for his actions on December 7, 1941, and the ''[[Pittsburgh Courier]]'' released a story on March 14, 1942, which gave his name as "Dorie Miller".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7598695/ |title=Mess Attendant Turned Machine Gun on Japanese |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Courier]] |date=March 14, 1942 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Since then, some writers have suggested that it was a "nickname to shipmates and friends".<ref name=aiken/>

== Naval career ==
Miller enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a mess attendant third class at the Naval Recruiting Station in Dallas, Texas, for six years on September 16, 1939.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Transcript of Service |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans/miller/transcript-of-service.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505224355/https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans/miller/transcript-of-service.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=January 15, 2018 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command}}</ref> Mess attendant was one of the few ratings open at the time to black sailors.<ref name=natlgeo>{{cite web |url= http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/ngbeyond/people/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110115075330/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/ngbeyond/people/ |url-status= dead |archive-date= January 15, 2011 |title=Beyond the Movie: Pearl Harbor: Ship's Cook Third Class Doris "Dorie" Miller |work=National Geographic |year=2001 |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref> He was transferred to  the [[Naval Station Norfolk|Naval Training Center, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia]], arriving on September 19.<ref name=":0"/> After training school, he was assigned to the ammunition ship {{USS|Pyro|AE-1|2}} (AE-1) and then transferred on January 2, 1940, to the [[Colorado-class battleship|''Colorado''-class battleship]] ''[[USS West Virginia (BB-48)|West Virginia]]'' (BB-48). It was on ''West Virginia'' where he started competition boxing, becoming the ship's heavyweight champion. In July, he was on temporary duty aboard {{USS|Nevada|BB-36|2}} (BB-36) at Secondary Battery Gunnery School. He returned to ''West Virginia'' on August 3. He advanced in rating to mess attendant second class on February 16, 1941.<ref name= navyfaq57/><ref name=natlgeo/>

=== Attack on Pearl Harbor ===
{{main|Attack on Pearl Harbor}}
[[File:"DECEMBER 7th - REMEMBER^" - NARA - 535613.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration of Miller defending the fleet at Pearl Harbor ([[Charles Alston]], [[United States Office of War Information|Office of War Information and Public Relations]])]]

Miller woke up at 6&nbsp;a.m. on December 7, 1941, aboard ''West Virginia''. He served breakfast mess and was collecting laundry at 7:57&nbsp;a.m. when planes from the {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Akagi}} fired the first of seven torpedoes that hit ''West Virginia''.<ref name=aiken/> The "[[General quarters|battle stations]]" alarm went off; Miller headed for his battle station, an [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]] battery [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] amidships, only to discover that a torpedo had destroyed it.

He then went to "Times Square" on deck, a central spot aboard the ship where the fore-to-aft and port-to-starboard passageways crossed, reporting himself available for other duty and was assigned to help carry wounded sailors to places of greater safety.<ref name=aiken/> Lieutenant Commander Doir C. Johnson, the ship's communications officer, spotted Miller and saw his physical prowess, so he ordered him to accompany him to the [[conning tower]] on the flag bridge to assist in moving the ship's [[Captain (naval)|captain]], [[Mervyn S. Bennion|Mervyn Bennion]], who had a gaping wound in his abdomen where he had apparently been hit by shrapnel after the first Japanese attack.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usswestvirginia.org/stories/story.php?id=10|title=Biographical Sketch of Mervyn S. Bennion|website=www.usswestvirginia.org}}</ref> Miller and another sailor lifted the skipper but were unable to remove him from the bridge, so they carried him on a cot from his exposed position on the damaged bridge to a sheltered spot on the deck behind the conning tower where he remained during the second Japanese attack.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name= mcrae >{{cite web |url= http://lestweforget.hamptonu.edu/page.cfm?uuid=9FEC4F26-BB62-CA75-90EC77910DA1F9F3 |title=Dorie Miller |first=Bennie J. |last=McRae, Jr |work=Hampton University |access-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref> Captain Bennion refused to leave his post, questioned his officers and men about the condition of the ship, and gave orders and instructions to crew members to defend the ship and fight.<ref name="auto2"/> Unable to go to the deck below because of smoke and flames, he was carried up a ladder to the [[Bridge (nautical)|navigation bridge]], where he died from blood loss despite the aid from a [[Hospital corpsman|pharmacist mate]].<ref name="auto2"/> He was posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/77290/veteranoftheday-navy-veteran-mervyn-bennion/ |title=#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Mervyn Bennion |website=US Department of Veterans Affairs |year=2020 |access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>

Lieutenant Frederic H. White had ordered Miller to help him and Ensign Victor Delano load the unmanned number 1 and number 2 [[M2 Browning machine gun|Browning .50 caliber]] anti-aircraft machine guns aft of the conning tower.<ref name="greatblack"/> Miller was not familiar with the weapon, but White and Delano instructed him on how to operate it. Delano expected Miller to feed ammunition to one gun, but his attention was diverted and, when he looked again, Miller was firing one of the guns. White then loaded ammunition into both guns and assigned Miller the starboard gun.<ref name=aiken/>

Miller fired the gun until he ran out of ammunition, whereupon he was ordered by Lieutenant [[Claude V. Ricketts]] to help carry the captain up to the navigation bridge out of the thick oily smoke generated by the many fires on and around the ship; Miller was officially credited with downing at least two hostile planes.<ref name= mcrae/> "I think I got one of those Jap planes. They were diving pretty close to us," he said later.<ref name="navyfaq57" /> Japanese aircraft eventually dropped two armor-piercing bombs through the deck of the battleship and launched five 18-inch (460&nbsp;mm) torpedoes into her port side. When the attack finally lessened, Miller helped move injured sailors through oil and water to the quarterdeck, thereby "unquestionably saving the lives of a number of people who might otherwise have been lost".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans-in-the-navy/selected-biographies-photographs/doris-miller/uss-west-virginias-action-report.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150829222429/http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans-in-the-navy/selected-biographies-photographs/doris-miller/uss-west-virginias-action-report.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= August 29, 2015 |title=USS West Virginia's Action Report |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |year=2015 |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>

The ship was heavily damaged by bombs, torpedoes, and resulting explosions and fires, but the crew prevented her from capsizing by counter-flooding compartments. Instead, ''West Virginia'' sank to the harbor bottom in shallow water as her surviving crew abandoned ship, including Miller;<ref name=navyfaq57/> the ship was later raised and restored for continued service in the war. On ''West Virginia'', 132 men were killed and 52 were wounded from the Japanese attack. On December 13, Miller reported to the [[heavy cruiser]] {{USS|Indianapolis|CA-35|2}} (CA-35).

==== Commendation ====

[[File:Nimitz and miller.jpg|thumb| Admiral [[Chester W. Nimitz]] pins a Navy Cross on Mess Attendant Second Class Miller during a ceremony aboard the USS ''Enterprise'' (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, on May 27, 1942.]]
On January 1, 1942, the Navy released a list of commendations for actions on December 7. Among them was a single commendation for an unnamed black man. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ([[NAACP]]) had asked President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] to award the [[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]] to the unknown black sailor. The Navy Board of Awards received a recommendation that the sailor be considered for recognition. On March 12, an [[Associated Press]] story named Miller as the sailor, citing the African-American newspaper ''[[Pittsburgh Courier]]'';<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7598595/ |title=Negro Revealed as 'Messman Hero' at Pearl Harbor |newspaper=[[Oakland Tribune]] |date=March 12, 1942 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> additional news reports credited [[Lawrence D. Reddick]] with learning the name through correspondence with the Navy Department, with these news reports becoming influential aspects in giving the [[Double V campaign]] greater legitimacy<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17257838/identify_heroic_mess_attendant_who/ |title=Identify Heroic Mess Attendant Who Manned Machine Gun Against Japs During Pearl Harbor Attack |newspaper=[[New York Age]] |date=March 14, 1942 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In the following days, Senator [[James M. Mead]] introduced a Senate [[Bill (United States Congress)|bill]] [{{USBill|77|SR|2392}}] to award Miller the Medal of Honor,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CRECB-1942-pt11/pdf/GPO-CRECB-1942-pt11-2.pdf#page=17&zoom=auto,-78,623 |title=History of Bills and Resolutions |page=563 |website=gpo.gov |access-date=February 8, 2018}} (left column) S. 2392</ref> and Representative [[John Dingell Sr.]] introduced a matching House bill [{{USBill|77|HR|6800}}].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CRECB-1942-pt11/pdf/GPO-CRECB-1942-pt11-2.pdf#page=70&zoom=auto,-16,170 |title=History of Bills and Resolutions |page=616 |website=gpo.gov |access-date=February 8, 2018}} (right column) H.R. 6800</ref>

Miller was recognized as one of the "first U.S. heroes of World War II". He was commended in a letter signed by [[United States Secretary of the Navy|Secretary of the Navy]] [[Frank Knox]] on April 1, and the next day [[CBS Radio]] broadcast an episode of the series ''They Live Forever,'' which dramatized Miller's actions.<ref name=aiken/> Black organizations began a campaign to honor Miller with additional recognition. On April 4, the ''Pittsburgh Courier'' urged readers to write to members of the congressional Naval Affairs Committee in support of awarding the Medal of Honor to Miller.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17268828/write_these_congressmen/ |title=Write These Congressmen |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Courier]] |date=April 4, 1942 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The [[Southern Negro Youth Congress|All-Southern Negro Youth Conference]] launched a signature campaign on April 17–19. On May 10, the [[National Negro Congress]] denounced Knox's recommendation against awarding Miller the Medal of Honor. On May 11 President Roosevelt approved the [[Navy Cross]] for Miller.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17269232/navy_decorates_negro_hero/ |title=Navy Decorates Negro Hero |agency=[[International News Service|INS]] |newspaper=[[Salt Lake Telegram]] |date=May 11, 1942 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

On May 27 Miller was personally recognized by [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]] [[Chester W. Nimitz]], Commander in Chief, [[United States Pacific Fleet|Pacific Fleet]], aboard the [[aircraft carrier]] {{USS|Enterprise|CV-6|2}} (CV-6) at anchor in Pearl Harbor.<ref name="navyfaq57" /><ref name="tribNC">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17269473/negro_messboy_gets_navy_cross_at_pearl/ |title=Negro Messboy Gets Navy Cross at Pearl Harbor |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=May 28, 1942 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Nimitz presented Miller with the Navy Cross, at the time the third-highest Navy award for gallantry during combat, after the Medal of Honor and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal; on August 7, 1942, Congress revised the order of precedence, placing the Navy Cross above the Distinguished Service Medal in precedence. Nimitz said of Miller's commendation, "This marks the first time in this conflict that such high tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a member of his race and I'm sure that the future will see others similarly honored for brave acts."<ref name="navyfaq57" /><ref name="tribNC" />

=== Return to United States and the war ===
[[File:Blackhist2.jpg|thumb|left|Miller speaking with sailors and a civilian at [[Naval Station Great Lakes|Great Lakes Naval Training Station]], January 7, 1943]]

Miller advanced in rating to mess attendant first class on June 1, 1942.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="greatblack">{{cite news |last=Chamberlain |first=Gaius |url=http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/doris-miller/ |title=Doris Miller |work=Great Black Heroes |publisher=Adscape International, LLC |date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=March 2, 2017 }}</ref> On June 27 the ''Pittsburgh Courier'' called for him to be allowed to return home for a [[war bond]] tour along with white war heroes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17248673/courier_campaigns_for_return_of_dorie/ |title=Courier Campaigns for Return of Dorie |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Courier]] |date=June 27, 1942 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> On July 25 the ''Pittsburgh Courier'' ran a photo of Miller with the caption "He Fought{{nbsp}}... Keeps Mop" next to a photo of a white survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack receiving an officer's commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17249167/he_fought_keeps_mop/ |title=He Fought{{nbsp}}... Keeps Mop |newspaper=Pittsburgh Courier |date=July 25, 1942 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The photo caption stated that the Navy felt that Miller was "too important waiting tables in the Pacific" for him to return to the United States.

[[File:Above and beyond poster.jpg|thumb|right|230px|1943 U.S. Navy recruiting poster featuring Miller and his Navy Cross]]
On November 23 Miller returned to Pearl Harbor and was ordered on a war bond tour while still attached to ''Indianapolis''.<ref name=aiken/> In December, and January 1943, he gave presentations in [[Oakland, California]], in his hometown of Waco, in Dallas, and to the first graduating class of black sailors from [[Naval Station Great Lakes|Great Lakes Naval Training Station]].<ref name=greatblack/> He was featured on the 1943 Navy recruiting poster "above and beyond the call of duty", designed by [[David Stone Martin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/93505848/ |title=Above and beyond the call of duty – Dorie Miller received the Navy Cross at Pearl Harbor, May 27, 1942 |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date=March 16, 2014}}</ref>

In February 1943 "mess attendant" was changed to the "steward's mate" rate title by the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uniform-reference.net/insignia/usn/usn_ww2_enl_steward.html|title=USN WW2 Enlisted Rates: Steward Branch|website=uniform-reference.net}}</ref> On May 15 Miller reported to [[Puget Sound Navy Yard]] at [[Bremerton, Washington]], assigned to the newly constructed escort carrier {{USS|Liscome Bay|CVE-56|2}} (CVE-56).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=navyfaq57/> He was advanced in rating to cook third class on June 1.<ref name=":0" /> The ship had a crew of 960 men, and its primary functions were to serve as a [[convoy]] escort, to provide aircraft for [[close air support]] during [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious landing]] operations, and to ferry aircraft to naval bases and fleet carriers at sea.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.historynet.com/uss-liscome-bay-hit-by-a-torpedo-near-makin-atoll-during-world-war-ii.htm|title=USS Liscome Bay: Hit By a Torpedo Near Makin Atoll During World War II|date=June 12, 2006|website=HistoryNet}}</ref> The ''Liscome Bay'' was the [[flagship]] for Carrier Division 24 which was under the command of Rear Admiral [[Henry M. Mullinnix]]. On October 22, ''Liscome Bay'' set sail for Pearl Harbor.<ref name="auto"/>

==== Death ====
After training in Hawaiian waters, ''Liscome Bay'' left Pearl Harbor on November 10, 1943, to join the Northern Task Force, [[Fast Carrier Task Force|Task Group 52]].<ref name="auto"/> Miller's carrier took part in the [[Battle of Makin]] (invasion of Makin by units of the Army's 165th Regimental Combat Team, [[27th Infantry Division (United States)|27th Infantry Division]]) which had begun on November 20.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.ebony.com/news/doris-miller-pearl-harbor/ |title=A Pearl Harbor Hero, Still Waiting for the Proper Recognition |first=Elizabeth |last=Aguirre |date=December 7, 2016 |access-date=January 13, 2019 |website=Ebony.com}}</ref> On November 24, the day after Makin was captured by American soldiers and the eve of [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] (the cooks had broken out the frozen turkeys from Pearl Harbor),<ref name="auto"/> ''Liscome Bay'' was cruising near [[Butaritari]] (Makin Atoll's main island) when it was struck just before dawn in the stern by a torpedo from the {{ship|Japanese submarine|I-175}} (which fired four torpedoes at Task Group 5312).<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/history-up-close/sinking-uss-liscome-bay/ |title=The Sinking of USS Liscome Bay |date=November 24, 2014 |access-date=January 13, 2019 |work=National Naval Aviation Museum |archive-date=September 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905191057/https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/history-up-close/sinking-uss-liscome-bay/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The carrier's own torpedoes and aircraft bombs exploded, causing the ship to sink in 23 minutes.<ref name="auto"/> There were 272 survivors from the crew of over 900,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wacotrib.com/news/city_of_waco/doris-miller-memorial-takes-shape-as-donation-gap-remains/article_21339228-9a86-5301-9668-4aa58a370562.html |title=Doris Miller Memorial takes shape as donation gap remains |access-date=January 13, 2019 |newspaper=[[Wacotrib.com]] |publisher=BH Media Group, Inc. |first=Mike |last=Copeland |date=October 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030184339/https://www.wacotrib.com/news/city_of_waco/doris-miller-memorial-takes-shape-as-donation-gap-remains/article_21339228-9a86-5301-9668-4aa58a370562.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018}}</ref> but Miller was among the two-thirds of the crew listed as "presumed dead".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wacotrib.com:80/news/military/war-hero-civil-rights-hero-new-doris-miller-bio-widens/article_6377553d-fb43-57db-9a93-b3e526b468ef.html |title=War hero, civil rights hero: New Doris Miller bio widens view of Waco |date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=January 13, 2019 |newspaper=Wacotrib.com |first=J. B. |last=Smith |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111013331/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/military/war-hero-civil-rights-hero-new-doris-miller-bio-widens/article_6377553d-fb43-57db-9a93-b3e526b468ef.html |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |publisher=BH Media Group, Inc. |url-status=live }}</ref> His parents were informed that he was [[missing in action]] on December 7, 1943.<ref name=aiken/> ''Liscome Bay'' was the only ship lost in the [[Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign|Gilbert Islands operation]].<ref name="auto"/>

A memorial service was held for Miller on April 30, 1944, at the Second Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, sponsored by the Victory Club.<ref name=aiken/> On May 28, a granite marker was dedicated at Moore High School in Waco to honor him.<ref name=aiken/> Miller was officially declared dead by the Navy on November 25, 1944, a year and a day after the loss of ''Liscome Bay''.<ref name=navyfaq57/> One of his brothers also served during World War II.

== Military awards ==
Miller's decorations and awards:
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="12" style="text-align: center;"|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Navy Cross ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}}{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Purple Heart BAR.svg|width=106}}
|-
| colspan="2"|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Combat Action Ribbon.svg|width=106px}}
| colspan="2"|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=United States Navy Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
| colspan="2"|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
| colspan="2"|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
| colspan="2"|{{Ribbon devices|number=2|type=service-star|ribbon=Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
| colspan="2"|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
!1st Row
| colspan="3"|[[Navy Cross]]<ref name=navyfaq57/>
| colspan="3"|[[Purple Heart]]<ref name=navyfaq57/><br>(posthumous)
|-
!2nd Row
| colspan="2"|[[Combat Action Ribbon]]<br>(posthumous)
| colspan="2"|[[Good Conduct Medal (United States)|Good Conduct Medal]]
| colspan="2"|[[American Defense Service Medal]] <br>with "FLEET" clasp ([[Service star|bronze star]])<ref name=navyfaq57/>
|-
!3rd Row
| colspan="2"|[[American Campaign Medal]]
| colspan="2"|[[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]] <br>with two [[Service star|bronze stars]]<ref name=navyfaq57/>
| colspan="2"|[[World War II Victory Medal]]<ref name=navyfaq57/><br>(posthumous)
|}

=== Navy Cross citation ===
<blockquote>For distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. While at the side of his Captain on the bridge, Miller, despite enemy strafing and bombing and in the face of a serious fire, assisted in moving his Captain, who had been mortally wounded, to a place of greater safety, and later manned and operated a machine gun directed at enemy Japanese attacking aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans/miller/doris-millers-navy-cross-citation.html#:~:text=CITATION%3A%20%22For%20distinguished%20devotion%20to,forces%20on%20December%20 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170505224338/https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans/miller/doris-millers-navy-cross-citation.html#:~:text=CITATION%3A%20%22For%20distinguished%20devotion%20to,forces%20on%20December%20 |url-status= dead |archive-date= May 5, 2017 |title=Doris Miller's Navy Cross Citation |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |year=2020 |access-date=February 1, 2021}}</ref></blockquote>

==Legacy==
[[File:Dorie Miller commemorative plaque.jpg|thumb|upright|Commemorative plaque for Dorie Miller at the National Museum of the Pacific War]]
[[File:Dorie Miller Memorial - Corona NY - Memorial Day 2015.jpg|thumb|upright|Dorie Miller memorial at the housing cooperative named for him in Corona, Queens]]
[[File:Doris Miller Auditorium Austin Texas.jpg|thumb|Doris Miller Auditorium in Austin, Texas]]
[[File:USS Miller (FF-1091).jpg|thumb|{{USS|Miller|FF-1091}}, a {{sclass|Knox|frigate}} commissioned in 1973, in honor of Miller]]

; Memorials
* Doris Miller Memorial, a public art installation on the banks of the [[Brazos River]] in Waco.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorismillermemorial.org |title=Doris Miller Memorial |website=dorismillermemorial.org |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref> A nine-foot bronze statue was unveiled on December 7, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wacotrib.com/news/city_of_waco/crowd-welcomes-statue-of-pearl-harbor-hero-doris-miller/article_a914e0a6-1e77-543a-ba33-d65cb5157ab9.html |title=Pearl Harbor Hero  |first=J. B. |last=Smith |newspaper=[[Waco Tribune-Herald]] |date=December 7, 2017 |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* A bronze commemorative plaque at the Doris Miller Park housing community located near [[Naval Station Pearl Harbor]]; organized by the [[Alpha Kappa Alpha]] sorority and dedicated on October 12, 1991, which would have been Miller's 72nd birthday.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17245532/remembering_a_fallen_hero/ |title=Remembering a fallen hero |first=Karen |last=Douglas |newspaper=[[Lansing State Journal]] |location=[[Lansing, Michigan]] |date=October 29, 1991 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17245720/wwii_hero_honored_through_local_effort/ |title=WWII hero honored through local effort |first=Jacqueline |last=Sergeant |newspaper=[[Poughkeepsie Journal]] |location=[[Poughkeepsie, New York]] |date=October 11, 1991 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
* Plaque in the Memorial Courtyard at the [[National Museum of the Pacific War]] in [[Fredericksburg, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/your-visit/memorial-courtyard/ |title=Memorial Courtyard |website=pacificwarmuseum.org |access-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208182820/http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/your-visit/memorial-courtyard/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

; Schools
* Dorie Miller Intermediate School, [[Ennis, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ennis.k12.tx.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13 |title=Dorie Miller Intermediate |website=ennis.k12.tx.us |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Elementary School, [[San Antonio|San Antonio, Texas]] (opened 1947)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://schools.saisd.net/page/153.about |title=School History |website=saisd.net |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Elementary School, [[San Diego|San Diego, California]] (dedicated April 28, 1976)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sandiegounified.org/schools/miller/about-our-school |title=About Our School |website=sandiegounified.org |access-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217171834/https://www.sandiegounified.org/schools/miller/about-our-school |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Elementary School, Waco, Texas (closed 2012)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.publicschoolreview.com/doris-miller-elementary-school-profile |title=Doris Miller Elementary School |website=publicschoolreview.com |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Middle School, [[San Marcos, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doris+Miller+Middle+School/@29.8586563,-97.9745089,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x865ca63aeda30771:0xa951be67bd572562!8m2!3d29.8586563!4d-97.9723202 |title=Doris Miller Middle School |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>

; Community-related 
* Bledsoe–Miller Community Center, recreation facility in Waco, Texas,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waco-texas.com/cms-parksandrecreation/page.aspx?id=41 |title=Community Centers |website=waco-texas.com |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref> jointly named for [[Jules Bledsoe]]
* Dorie Miller Community Center, recreation facility in San Antonio, Texas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities/All-Parks-Facilities/Parks-Facilities-Details/ArtMID/14820/ArticleID/2857/Dorie-Miller-Community-Center |title=Dorie Miller Community Center |website=sanantonio.gov |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Drive, [[Champaign, Illinois]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dorie+Miller+Dr,+Champaign,+IL+61820/@40.128218,-88.2289652,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880cd75e270407f5:0xe82e016c0b5c3a13!8m2!3d40.128218!4d-88.2267765 |title=Dorie Miller Dr |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Homes, a housing community in [[Gary, Indiana]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.garyhousing.org/developments.asp |title=GHA Properties |website=Gary Housing Authority |access-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-date=January 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122223740/http://www.garyhousing.org/developments.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Houses, a [[housing cooperative]] complex built in 1953 in the [[Corona, Queens|Corona]] neighborhood of [[Queens, New York]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/real-estate/usa/ny/queens/corona/building/113-15-34th-avenue/13094 |title=Dorie Miller 113-15 34th Avenue |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Park, [[Lewisburg, West Virginia]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mountainmessenger.com/phase-i-of-dorie-miller-park-near-completion/ |title=Phase I of Dorie Miller Park near completion |first=Peggy |last=MacKenzie |website=MountainMessenger.com |date=July 21, 2017 |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Auditorium, [[Rosewood Park (Austin, Texas)|Rosewood Park]], [[Austin, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doris+Miller+Recreation+Center/@30.2710572,-97.7170673,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8644b5c41f43f375:0x6971d42ec948091d!8m2!3d30.2710572!4d-97.7148786 |title=Doris Miller Recreation Center |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Community Center, [[Newport News, Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nngov.com/1209/Doris-Miller-Community-Center |title=Doris Miller Community Center |website=nngov.com |access-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208123539/https://www.nngov.com/1209/Doris-Miller-Community-Center |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Doris Miller Family [[YMCA]], Waco, Texas<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doris+Miller+Family+YMCA/@31.571564,-97.1239137,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x864f82f6db4ece13:0x6983fc776cd65537!8m2!3d31.571564!4d-97.121725 |title=Doris Miller Family YMCA |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Loop, [[Honolulu|Honolulu, Hawaii]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doris+Miller+Loop,+Honolulu,+HI+96818/@21.338237,-157.9129723,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x7c006f073447081f:0xdf36210403695714!8m2!3d21.338237!4d-157.9107836 |title=Doris Miller Loop |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref> with a monument located at north end of street
* Doris Miller Memorial Park, a cemetery on the border of Waco and [[Bellmead, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doris+Miller+Memorial+Park/@31.6045512,-97.0889729,3867m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x87ae2c0c990d5e1a!8m2!3d31.6102412!4d-97.067954 |title=Doris Miller Memorial Park |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Recreation Center, San Antonio, Texas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sanantonio.eventful.com/venues/dorie-miller-recreation-center-/V0-001-010157716-1 |title=Dorie Miller Recreation Center San Antonio |website=eventful.com |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>

; Military-related
* {{USS|Miller|FF-1091}}, a [[destroyer escort]] (reclassified as a {{sclass|Knox|frigate}} on June 30, 1975)<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/m/miller-de-ff-1091-i.html |title=USS ''Miller'' (DE/FF-1091) |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |year=2019 |access-date=February 2, 2021}}</ref> commissioned on June 30, 1973;<ref name=freep>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17245284/navy_ship_is_named_for_black_war_hero/ |title=Navy Ship Is Named For Black War Hero |first=Leon |last=Pitt |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |date=July 4, 1973 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> decommissioned on October 15, 1991, was named after him.
* The Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Naval Station Great Lakes was dedicated to Miller on December 7, 1971.<ref name=BEQ>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17243909/waco_war_hero_honored_tuesday/ |title=Waco War Hero Honored Tuesday |newspaper=The Waco Citizen |location=[[Waco, Texas]] |date=December 9, 1971 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Galley, the main galley for [[Camp Lemonnier]] in [[Djibouti]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basedirectory.com/camp-lemonnier-directory/dorie-miller-galley |title=Dorie Miller Galley |website=basedirectory.com |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Doris Miller Dining Hall, [[Naval Air Station Chase Field]], [[Beeville, Texas]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Doris Miller, Pearl Harbor, and the Birth of the Civil Rights Movement |first1=Thomas W. |last1=Cutrer |first2=T. Michael |last2=Parrish |publisher=Texas A&M University Press |date=2017 |isbn=978-1623496029 }}</ref>
* Doris Miller Park, a housing community for military personnel in [[Honolulu]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ohananavycommunities.com/neighborhood/doris-miller-park |title=Doris Miller Park |website=ohananavycommunities.com |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* {{USS|Doris Miller|CVN-81}}, a future {{sclass|Gerald R. Ford|aircraft carrier}}, announced on January 19, 2020.<ref name=LaGrone>{{cite news |url=https://news.usni.org/2020/01/18/next-ford-class-carrier-to-be-named-after-pearl-harbor-hero-doris-miller |title=Next Ford-class Carrier to be Named After Pearl Harbor Hero Doris Miller |first=Sam |last=LaGrone |website=USNI News |date=January 18, 2020 |access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/09/29/917816651/a-military-first-a-supercarrier-is-named-after-an-african-american-sailor |title=A Military 1st: A Supercarrier Is Named After An African American Sailor |publisher=NPR |date=September 29, 2020 |author=Jay Price |access-date= September 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=A Military 1st: A Supercarrier Is Named After An African American Sailor|language=en|work=NPR.org|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/09/29/917816651/a-military-first-a-supercarrier-is-named-after-an-african-american-sailor|access-date=January 30, 2022}}</ref> The ship is scheduled to be laid down in 2026 and launched in 2029.<ref name=LaGrone/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=111881|title=Navy Will Name A Future Ford Class Aircraft Carrier After WWII Hero Doris Miller|last=Affairs|first=This story was written by Acting Secretary of the Navy Public|website=www.navy.mil|language=en|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=January 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121003641/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=111881|url-status=dead}}</ref>

; Veteran-related
* Dorie Miller Chapter 14 – [[Disabled American Veterans]] chapter in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.davmembersportal.org/chapters/dc/14/default.aspx |title=Dorie Miller #14 |website=davmembersportal.org |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Post 546 – [[American Legion]] post in [[Racine, Wisconsin]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://journaltimes.com/news/local/local-legion-post-named-for-pearl-harbor-hero/article_3f3c6b1c-a4da-5f7d-965f-a3e664a28124.html |title=Local Legion post named for Pearl Harbor hero |first=Rob |last=Golub |newspaper=The Journal Times |location=[[Racine, Wisconsin]] |date=May 24, 2001 |access-date=February 9, 2018}}</ref>
* Dorie Miller Post 915 – American Legion post in [[Chicago]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doriemiller915.org/ |title=Dorie Miller Post #915 |website=doriemiller915.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010102/http://www.doriemiller915.org/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=August 24, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Dorie E. Miller Post 817 – American Legion post in [[Beaumont, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dorieemiller.org/ |title=Dorie E. Miller Post 817 |website=dorieemiller.org |access-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613184659/http://www.dorieemiller.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[List of Veterans Affairs medical facilities by state#Texas|Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center]] in Waco, Texas;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.centraltexas.va.gov/locations/Waco.asp |title=Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center |website=centraltexas.va.gov |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>[[113th United States Congress]] {{USBill|113|HR|4199|site=yes}}</ref> includes monument and a road named Doris Miller Circle.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doris+Miller+Cir,+Waco,+TX+76711/@31.509902,-97.1655938,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x864f815b07de389b:0xbf4d3c4c31c58b1a!8m2!3d31.509902!4d-97.1634051 |title=Doris Miller Cir |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>

; Radio
* In 1942, Miller's actions were dramatized on the CBS Radio series ''They Live Forever''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://go.si.edu/site/MessageViewer?em_id=8781.0&dlv_id=12641 |title=A Page From Our American Story: December 7, 1941 Heroes |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |date=2009 |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>
* The April 25, 1944, episode of the CBS Radio series ''Columbia Presents Corwin'', titled "Dorie Got a Medal", starred [[Canada Lee]] and [[Josh White]] in [[Norman Corwin]]'s "jazz-and-jive opera" about Miller.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiogoldin.library.umkc.edu/Home/RadioGoldin_Records?searchString=Columbia%20Presents%20Corwin&type=Programs |title=Columbia Presents Corwin |publisher=RadioGOLDINdex |access-date=March 16, 2014 |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317032835/http://radiogoldindex.com/cgi-local/p2.cgi?ProgramName=Columbia+Presents+Corwin |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17287456/air_program_honors_dorie/ |title=Air Program Honors Dorie |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Courier]] |date=April 29, 1944 |access-date=February 9, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
* On the December 9, 1945, broadcast of his [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] radio series ''[[Orson Welles Commentaries]]'', [[Orson Welles]] presented a tribute to Doris Miller and spoke to his father, Connery Miller.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/OrsonWellesWartimeBroadcasts |title=Orson Welles Wartime Broadcasts |publisher=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=March 15, 2014}}</ref> Broadcast from the [[Naval Station Treasure Island|U. S. Naval Training and Distribution Center]] on [[Treasure Island, San Francisco]], the program announced the naming of three theater complexes to honor three World War II heroes killed in action. Theater One was named for Doris Miller; the other two theaters were named for Medal of Honor recipients [[John Basilone]] and [[Edward O'Hare]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snyderstreasures.com/pages/welles.htm |title=Treasure Island Medal of Honor Dedication: Orson Welles ABC KGO Broadcast Script and Photograph Lot |publisher=Snyder's Treasure Trove: Collectible Militaria |access-date=March 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316183317/http://www.snyderstreasures.com/pages/welles.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17286914/welles_to_honor_ohare_on_kxok/ |title=Welles To Honor O'Hare on KXOK |newspaper=[[St. Louis Star-Times]] |date=December 8, 1945 |access-date=February 9, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

; Film & television
* Miller is portrayed by actor Elven Havard in the 1970 film ''[[Tora! Tora! Tora!]].''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066473/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast |title=Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) – Full Cast & Crew |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* Miller is portrayed by actor [[Cuba Gooding Jr.]] in the 2001 film ''[[Pearl Harbor (film)|Pearl Harbor]].''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0213149/?ref_=nv_sr_1 |title=Pearl Harbor (2001) |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/AN9SP0y1lVA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20150218003430/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN9SP0y1lVA Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN9SP0y1lVA |title=Pearl {{sic|Harbour|nolink=y}} – Cook takes A.A Gun |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* Miller being awarded the Navy Cross was depicted in the 2019 film ''[[Midway (2019 film)|Midway]]''.
* Miller is played by Abdul Sulaiman in National Geographic's "Erased: WWII Heroes of Colour" which focuses on him and fellow African American mess mates George Bland and Clark Simmons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ageofthegeek.org/2024/06/02/national-geographics-erased-wwii-heroes-of-colour-is-informative-but-dull/|title=National Geographic's 'Erased: WWII Heroes of Colour' Is Informative But Dull|first=Jana J.|last=Monji|date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>

; Other
[[File:US Navy 100204-N-1281L-048 The Distinguished Sailors commemorative stamps series is unveiled.jpg|thumb|Unveiling the Distinguished Sailors commemorative stamp series during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial]]

* Founded in 1943, the Dorie Miller Foundation began giving an annual award in 1947 to an individual or group considered outstanding in the field of race relations.<ref name=BEQ/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17255132/zumwalt_to_receive_dorie_miller_award/ |title= Zumwalt to receive Dorie Miller award |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Courier]] |date=September 22, 1972 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Recipients included [[Jackie Robinson]], [[Jesse Owens]], and [[Eleanor Roosevelt]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17255282/rev_elmer_l_fowler_83/ |title=Rev. Elmer L. Fowler, 83 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=June 6, 2003 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The award later became the American Heritage & Freedom Award.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17255709/black_navy_captain_is_honored/ |title=Black Navy captain is honored |first=John W. |last=Fountain |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=May 21, 1990 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
* The [[Gwendolyn Brooks]] poem ''Negro Hero'' (1945) is narrated from Miller's point of view.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Gwendolyn |last=Brooks |magazine=[[Common Ground (magazine)|Common Ground]] |title=Negro Hero (To suggest Doris Miller) |pages=44–45 |date=1945 }}</ref>
* In 2002, [[Molefi Kete Asante]] included Miller on his list of [[100 Greatest African Americans]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Asante |first=Molefi Kete |author-link=Molefi Kete Asante |year=2002 |title=100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia |location=Amherst, New York |publisher=Prometheus Books |isbn=1573929638}}</ref>
* Miller was honored by the [[United States Postal Service]] as one of four Distinguished Sailors, with a 44-cent commemorative stamp issued on February 4, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wacotrib.com/news/local-wwii-hero-doris-miller-being-honored-with-stamp/article_0a97d46f-046a-5db9-a11a-ad77413f9c2d.html |title=Local WWII hero Doris Miller being honored with stamp |first=Cindy V. |last=Culp |newspaper=Waco Tribune-Herald |date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref> Also honored were [[William Sims]], [[Arleigh Burke]], and [[John McCloy (Medal of Honor)|John McCloy]].
* Representative [[Eddie Bernice Johnson]] proposed bills in 2016, 2017, and 2020 that would have authorized the Medal of Honor for Miller. None of these bills were voted upon by the House of Representatives.<ref>[[114th United States Congress]] {{USBill|114|HR|6371|site=yes}}</ref><ref>[[115th United States Congress]] {{USBill|115|HR|834|site=yes}}</ref><ref>[[115th United States Congress]] {{USBill|115|HCR|19|site=yes}}</ref><ref>[[116th United States Congress]] {{USBill|116|HR|5549|site=yes}}</ref>

== See also ==
* {{Portal inline|Biography}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |title=Doris Miller, Pearl Harbor, and the Birth of the Civil Rights Movement |first1=Thomas W. |last1=Cutrer |first2=T. Michael |last2=Parrish |publisher=Texas A&M University Press |date=2017 |isbn=978-1623496029 }}
* {{cite book |title=The Messman Chronicles: African Americans in the U.S. Navy, 1932–1943 |first=Richard E. |last=Miller |year=2004 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=155750539X }}
* {{cite book |title=Doris Miller: Hero of Pearl Harbor |first=Bill |last=O'Neal |author-link=Bill O'Neal |publisher=Eakin Press |location=[[Waco, Texas]] |date=2007 |isbn=978-1934645017 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Sapper |first=Neil |date=1980 |title=Aboard the Wrong Ship in the Right Books: Doris Miller and Historical Accuracy |url=https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1433&context=ethj |journal=East Texas Historical Journal |volume=18 |issue=1 |access-date=February 7, 2018}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dorie Miller}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170505224407/https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans/miller/uss-west-virginias-action-report.html USS ''West Virginia'' Action Report], for December 7, 1941, via Naval History and Heritage Command
* [http://radioechoes.com/index.php?page=play_download&mode=play&dl_mp3folder=C&dl_file=columbia_workshop_1944-04-25_dorie_got_a_medal.mp3&dl_series=Columbia%20Workshop&dl_title=Dorie%20Got%20A%20Medal&dl_date=1944.04.25&dl_size=7.05%20MB "Dorie Got a Medal" (audio)] from April 25, 1944, via radioechoes.com
* [https://orsonwelles.indiana.edu/items/show/2129 "Orson Welles Commentaries" (audio)] from December 9, 1945, via indiana.edu
* [http://www.texasarchive.org/2011_02113?title=The_Texas_Experience_-_Tom_Landry_Presents_Dorie_Miller The Texas Experience – Tom Landry Presents Dorie Miller (video)], [[Texas Archive of the Moving Image]]
* [http://www.dorismillermemorial.org/ Doris Miller Memorial], Cultural Arts of Waco
* Part of his life is retold in the 1948 radio drama "[https://archive.org/details/Destination.Freedom/Destination_Freedom_48-12-05_023_Autobiography_of_a_Hero.mp3 Autobiography of a Hero]", a presentation from ''[[Destination Freedom]]'', written by [[Richard Durham]]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Miller, Doris}}
[[Category:1919 births]]
[[Category:1940s missing person cases]]
[[Category:1943 deaths]]
[[Category:African Americans in World War II]]
[[Category:African-American United States Navy personnel]]
[[Category:Attack on Pearl Harbor]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Waco, Texas]]
[[Category:Missing in action of World War II]]
[[Category:People lost at sea]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)]]
[[Category:United States Navy personnel killed in World War II]]
[[Category:United States Navy sailors]]