Doris "Dorie" Miller
Era | WWII |
---|---|
Branch | U.S. Navy |
Rank | Petty Officer First Class |
Military Decorations | Navy Cross Purple Heart |
Wall | G |
Wall Side | 2 |
Row | 1 |
Plaque Number | 3 |
Doris "Dorie" Miller is recognized as one of the first heroes of World War II. As a mess attendant, Miller directed fire at enemy aircraft bombing Pearl Harbor after grabbing and operating a .50 caliber machine-gun, a weapon that he was not familiar with. He is credited with saving the lives of countless sailors aboard the USS West Virginia on the "Day that will live in Infamy," He went on to serve the Navy in the Pacific before being mortally wounded by an enemy torpedo.