THE MOUNTAINTOP

Doris Miller, known as “Dorie,” was born in Waco, Texas, in 1919. He was one of four sons. After high school, he worked on his father’s farm until 1938 when he enlisted in the Navy as mess attendant (kitchen worker) to earn money for his family. At that time the Navy was segregated so combat positions were not open to African-Americans. Miller became a war hero during World War after he heroically manned down Japanese fighter plans after the U.S. Naval Fleet was attacked on December 7, 1941 despite not being trained in combat. On April 1, 1942 Miller was commended by the Secretary of the Navy and on May 27, 1942 he received the Navy Cross for his extraordinary courage in battle. His rank was raised to Mess Attendant First Class on June 1, 1942. Today there is a Dorie Miller park in Hawaii and a good number of schools and buildings throughout the U.S. are named in his honor.  He was also one of four Naval heroes featured on U.S. postal stamps in 2010.