Cook Third Class Doris "Dorie" Miller
Doris "Dorie" Miller was born in Waco, Texas, on 12 October 1919. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1939 as a Mess Attendant Third Class. On 7 December 1941, while serving aboard USS West Virginia (BB-48), he distinguished himself by courageous conduct and devotion to duty during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on this occasion.
Doris Miller served aboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35) from December 1941 to May 1943. He was then assigned to the escort carrier Liscome Bay (CVE-56). Cook Third Class Miller was lost with that ship when she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on 24 November 1943, during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands.
USS Miller (DE-1091) and the future USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) were named in honor of Cook Third Class Doris Miller.
Additional Resources
Talking with three other Sailors and a civilian, during his visit to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, 7 January 1943. He is wearing the Navy Cross medal, awarded for heroism during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. (80-G-294804)
Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN, receives the Navy Cross from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, at an awards ceremony held on the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942. The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. (80-G-23588)
Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN, (1919-1943) just after being presented with the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942. The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.
Speaking during a visit to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, on 7 January 1943. He is wearing the Navy Cross medal, awarded for heroism during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. (80-G-294808)
Admiral Nimitz awards the Navy Cross to SC2c Doris Miller for heroism on USS West Virginia (BB-48). He was later killed. This ceremony and other awards and commendation letters were given by the admiral onboard USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, May, 1942.
Black History poster featuring Navy Cross awardee Doris Miller and the ship named in his honor, USS Miller (FF-1091). The original artwork was created circa 1976 by William M. Moser, of the Navy Recruiting Command. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
