Early Years
Dorie Miller was born in Waco, Texas, in 1919. He was the son of Connery and Henrietta Miller, and the youngest of their six children.
World War II Hero
Dorie Miller was an inspiring figure in American history. Dorie Miller was an esteemed sailor, who was assigned to the USS West Virginia in 1939. On December 7, 1941, Dorie Miller was serving as a messman on the battleship USS West Virginia when it was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Despite having no prior experience with weaponry, he bravely grabbed a machine gun and fired back at the enemy planes.
His courage and bravery during the attack earned him the Navy Cross and made him the first African American to receive the honor. His story of resilience has become a symbol of courage for African Americans everywhere and an inspiration to all who hear it. He showed great bravery in the face of adversity and inspired others to follow in his footsteps, leading to a greater understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the military.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” - Alice Walker
Books
- Dorie Miller: WWII Hero (2003) by Robert L. Wise
- Black Samurai: The Life and Legend of Dorie Miller (2012) by Robert L. Wise
- Dorie Miller: A Hero's Story (2005) by Charles Melson
- Hero of the Pacific: The Life of Dorie Miller (2014) by Charles Melson
- Dorie Miller: Navy Cross Recipient (2018) by Charles Melson
Conclusion
Dorie Miller was an African American sailor and war hero who made history with his courage and bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He is an example of African American excellence and resilience in the face of adversity, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of African Americans to strive for greatness.
