Doris “Dorie” Miller was doing laundry, when the attack on Pearl Harbor began.
He was only 19 years old when he enlisted in the Navy. The boy wanted to earn some money for his family. Also, it was a chance to see the life outside his home. The Navy was segregated at that time, that’s why Doris, an African-American, was not allowed to take combat positions. The sailors of color worked as stewards, cooks and mess attendants. They hadn’t any weapons training. They were forbidden to shoot guns.
When the attack began, Doris had a difficult choice: go be the rules or try to defend his ship. And he decided to everything he could to save his ship.
At first, the man carried the injured sailors to safety. But that was not all. Doris noticed an abandoned Browning. So, he broke all rules and used this anti-aircraft gun to protect his friends and country.
The sailor had no training, so he didn’t know how successful his efforts were. But he managed to down six Japanese planes!
The sailor was called a hero! He became the first African-American sailor who received the Navy Cross.
Doris returned to his service. In May, 1943 he was on the Liscome Bay. In November, 1943 a Japanese torpedo struck his ship. Some people could survive but Doris did not.
He died fighting for his country.
It is important to remember that this black sailor had enough courage to break the rule. He did what was right. Now his story is legendary!
