Doris “Dorie” Miller, a mess attendant from Waco, Texas, displayed extraordinary bravery during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor while serving on the USS West Virginia. Without any formal training, he manned a machine gun and fired at enemy aircraft, reportedly downing several planes. He also carried wounded sailors to safety, including the ship’s captain.
Miller became the first African American awarded the Navy Cross, marking a significant moment in U.S. military and Black history.
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