Honoring Black History Month: The Legacy of Doris "Dorie" Miller and the Attack on Pearl Harbor

By

Daniel Tobias Flint

Logo By CECILIA MARIE TATTOOS

Every February, Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on and honor the contributions of African Americans in shaping U.S. history. Among the many unsung heroes of American history, Doris "Dorie" Miller stands out as a symbol of bravery and perseverance. As a U.S. Navy sailor, Miller became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His actions not only saved lives but also paved the way for greater racial integration within the U.S. military.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault, which began just before 8:00 AM, was meticulously planned and executed in two waves. Over 350 Japanese aircraft, including bombers, torpedo planes, and fighters, took part in the assault, targeting American battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and airfields.

The first wave of the attack struck at approximately 7:55 AM, focusing on airfields and battleships anchored at Battleship Row. Japanese aircraft launched torpedoes and bombs at the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California, and several other vessels. The USS Arizona suffered catastrophic damage when an armor-piercing bomb detonated in its forward magazine, leading to a massive explosion that killed over 1,100 crew members instantly. The USS Oklahoma capsized after being struck by multiple torpedoes, trapping hundreds of sailors inside.

The second wave, which arrived about an hour later, focused on targeting shipyards, additional ships, and defensive positions. Although American forces had begun to mount a more coordinated defense, significant damage had already been inflicted. By the end of the attack, 21 ships were damaged or destroyed, including eight battleships. Over 2,400 American personnel were killed, and more than 1,100 were wounded. The attack also destroyed or severely damaged nearly 200 aircraft, leaving the Pacific Fleet temporarily crippled.

The Japanese suffered relatively minor losses in comparison, losing only 29 aircraft and five midget submarines. However, their failure to target key infrastructure such as fuel depots, dry docks, and aircraft carriers (which were not present at the time) meant that the U.S. Navy could recover faster than anticipated. The attack on Pearl Harbor led the United States to declare war on Japan the following day, marking the country's official entry into World War II.

Doris "Dorie" Miller: A Hero Amidst Chaos

Doris Miller was born on October 12, 1919, in Waco, Texas. He was the son of sharecroppers Connery and Henrietta Miller and grew up working on his family’s farm. Known for his strong build and athleticism, Miller played football in high school before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1939. At the time, African American sailors were primarily assigned to non-combat roles such as cooks, stewards, and mess attendants due to racial segregation in the military. Despite these restrictions, Miller’s work ethic and dedication earned him the respect of his fellow sailors.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Miller was serving as a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia when Japanese forces launched their attack. As chaos unfolded, Miller immediately sprang into action. He assisted in carrying wounded sailors, including the ship’s captain, Mervyn Bennion, to safety. Despite having no formal training in combat or gunnery, Miller then manned a .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and began firing at incoming Japanese aircraft. He continued to fire until he ran out of ammunition, demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

Receiving the Navy Cross

Miller's actions did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his heroism, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz personally awarded him the Navy Cross on May 27, 1942. This made Miller the first African American to receive the prestigious military decoration, highlighting his significant contribution to the war effort. His citation read:

"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."

Despite calls for Miller to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military award in the United States, he was ultimately not granted this distinction.

African Americans in the U.S. Military During World War II

During World War II, African Americans faced significant racial discrimination within the armed forces, often being relegated to support roles rather than combat positions. However, their contributions were critical to the war effort, and their service played a key role in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military.

• The Tuskegee Airmen: The first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, they overcame systemic racism to become one of the most successful fighter groups in the war.
• The 761st Tank Battalion: Known as the "Black Panthers," this African American armored unit fought bravely in Europe, participating in key battles such as the Battle of the Bulge.
• The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (Triple Nickles): This all-African American airborne unit was initially formed for combat but was later assigned to a unique role fighting wildfires in the Pacific Northwest as part of Operation Firefly. They became pioneers in both airborne operations and smoke-jumping, setting the stage for future African American paratroopers.
• Navy and Marine Corps Integration: African Americans were initially limited to steward and mess roles in the Navy, but their service in conflicts such as Pearl Harbor, where men like Miller demonstrated incredible bravery, helped push for greater inclusion. In 1942, the Marine Corps began enlisting African Americans, leading to the establishment of the Montford Point Marines.
• Executive Order 9981: President Harry Truman's 1948 executive order desegregated the U.S. military, a direct result of the courage and service of African Americans during World War II.

Dorie Miller’s heroism was part of this larger movement. His actions forced military leaders to reconsider the roles of African Americans in combat, paving the way for future generations to serve with equality and honor.

Miller’s Final Mission and Legacy

After Pearl Harbor, Miller continued serving in the Navy. In 1943, he was assigned to the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay. Tragically, on November 24, 1943, Miller was killed in action when the Liscome Bay was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Makin in the Pacific Theater. He was among the 644 sailors who lost their lives that day.

Honoring Doris Miller’s Legacy

Miller's courage and sacrifice have left an enduring impact on American history. His story inspired the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Navy and broader integration of African Americans into all branches of the military. Today, he is honored in numerous ways:

• A naval ship, the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), is named in his honor, making it the first aircraft carrier to bear the name of an African American.
• Statues and memorials across the country commemorate his bravery, including a statue in his hometown of Waco, Texas.
• His story is taught in schools and shared during Black History Month as a testament to the courage and resilience of African American service members.

Why Teaching This History Matters

As a U.S. History teacher in Duval County Public Schools , I believe it is essential to teach students about the sacrifices and contributions of African American service members like Dorie Miller. Their stories not only highlight the courage and resilience of those who fought for freedom but also demonstrate how history has shaped our present-day military and society. By integrating these narratives into my curriculum, I hope to inspire students to appreciate the diverse contributions that have shaped America. This is another reason why I love teaching for Duval County Public Schools—because I have the opportunity to share these impactful stories and ensure that history is remembered and honored.