Dorie Miller’s Forgotten Heroism at Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor happened on December 7, 1941. It was a key moment in American history. The surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy pulled the United States into World War II. It also showed stories of great courage. One such story is about Dorie Miller. He was a Mess Attendant Second Class on the USS West Virginia. His brave actions that day went against expectations. They also challenged the racial biases of that time. Miller’s actions earned him the Navy Cross. He also earned a place in history (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans/doris-miller.html).

A Day That Changed Everything: December 7, 1941

On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor. It was a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base. Dorie Miller was on the USS West Virginia. He was a Mess Attendant Second Class. Amidst the chaos, he was in the middle of the action. The attack happened fast. American forces were caught off guard. This led to much loss of life and damage to ships.

Black sailors in the U.S. Navy were usually assigned to the Steward’s Branch. Their jobs were often limited to cooking, cleaning, and laundry. They were not allowed in combat roles. This was due to racial segregation policies. Miller was collecting laundry, which was his job. Then the bombs began to fall. The peaceful morning turned into a disaster. The limits placed on Black sailors made Miller’s later actions even more amazing.

Courage Under Fire: A Sailor Defies the Rules

The attack got worse. Miller ignored his non-combat role and ran toward the danger. First, he showed great bravery. He carried his badly wounded captain and other hurt sailors to safety. This act showed his selflessness. He was committed to his fellow sailors during a very hard time.

Then, Miller did something very brave. He took control of a machine gun. It was an unmanned M-50. He had no training on how to use it. At that time, Black personnel were not allowed to handle such weapons. He was willing to fight, even with these restrictions. This shows his courage and will to defend his ship and country. The Army.mil article (https://www.army.mil/article/253159/dorismillertheunlikelyheroofpearl_harbor) also shows the racial barriers Miller faced.

For fifteen minutes, Miller fired at the enemy planes. He had no training. He only had his determination. It is thought that he shot down at least two Japanese planes, maybe more. This greatly helped defend his ship. Miller’s actions helped stop the attack. They also inspired others.

Recognition Denied and Then Granted: The Battle for a Name

After the attack, the Navy had a problem. A Black sailor who wasn’t allowed to fight had become a hero. This did not fit the segregated story. Early reports called him “an unidentified Negro messman.” This erased his name and downplayed what he did. This lack of recognition shows the racism in the military then.

The Black press would not let the story be forgotten. They kept pushing the Navy to give the hero’s name. Public and political pressure grew. The Navy had to respond. They admitted Miller’s bravery. They also acknowledged his help in defending Pearl Harbor. The Black press helped make sure Miller’s heroism was remembered.

In May 1942, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz gave Dorie Miller the Navy Cross. It was the third-highest award for valor then. Miller was the first African American in World War II to get this honor. But, the Navy did not let him keep fighting. Instead, they used him for publicity. They used his image. However, they kept the restrictions on Black service members. This shows the mixed nature of racial progress during that time.

A Hero’s Final Sacrifice and Lasting Legacy

In November 1943, Dorie Miller was on the USS Liscome Bay. It was an escort carrier. A Japanese torpedo hit the ship during the Battle of Tarawa. The ship sank quickly. Miller was 24 years old. He was one of 646 crew members who died. His body was never found. His death was a great loss. It was a loss for his family, friends, and the nation.

Miller’s story was often left out of historical accounts for many years. This is despite his sacrifice and bravery. He was reduced to a footnote. He was a victim of war and racism. This erasing of his actions reminds us of the problems African Americans faced. They struggled to get recognition for their service.

Today, the U.S. Navy is giving Miller the recognition he deserves. A new guided-missile destroyer is being built. It is named the Future USS Dorie Miller (DDG-161). It is set to launch in 2029. This makes sure his name and sacrifice are remembered forever. It shows the nation’s promise to honor all its service members.

The Question of Erasure

Dorie Miller’s initial lack of recognition shows a sad truth about history. Those in power sometimes try to hide stories. These stories challenge social and racial rules. The Navy first tried to keep the story of racial segregation. They did this by leaving out his name. Black sailors were not seen as able to fight. The downplaying of Miller’s heroism shows how minority groups were often ignored in history.

His story now shows that courage has no color. It cannot be silenced. Miller’s story inspires people. It reminds us to fight for equality. His actions at Pearl Harbor are a symbol of bravery. They show resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Conclusion

Dorie Miller’s heroism at Pearl Harbor was first ignored due to racism. It is now a strong example of courage. It is also an example of fighting against discrimination. His actions helped defend his ship. They also challenged the racial ideas of that time. Efforts to remember him make sure his story inspires future generations. It reminds us to recognize everyone’s contributions, no matter their background.