Historical Figures

What are some fact of Doris Miller?

Doris Miller facts:

- Full name: Doris "Dorie" Miller

- Date of birth: October 12, 1919

- Place of birth: Waco, Texas, U.S.

- Date of death: November 24, 1943

- Place of death: Tarawa, Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati)

- Occupation: United States Navy mess attendant, boxer

- Known for: Earning the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor

- Military service: United States Navy

- Conflict: World War II

- Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star, World War II Victory Medal

Additional facts about Doris Miller:

- He enlisted in the Navy in 1939.

- He was stationed at the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941.

- Despite not being assigned to a combat role, Miller manned an anti-aircraft gun and shot down several Japanese aircraft during the attack.

- He was the first African American to earn the Navy Cross.

- Miller died during a later battle in the Pacific war at Tarawa.

- He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and several other medals.

- Miller's actions at Pearl Harbor helped to break down racial barriers in the Navy and paved the way for more African Americans to serve in combat roles.