Dorie Miller Was One Of The First Americans To Win A Medal Of Honor In WWII For His Service At Pearl Harbor.A. True B. False

Mar 13, 2025 by ADMIN 126 views

The Heroic Story of Dorie Miller: First American to Win a Medal of Honor in WWII

Introduction

Dorie Miller, a young African American sailor, made history on December 7, 1941, when he became one of the first Americans to win a Medal of Honor in World War II. Miller's bravery and selflessness in the face of extreme danger have inspired generations, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of courage and sacrifice. In this article, we will delve into the life and heroism of Dorie Miller, exploring his early years, his service in the US Navy, and the events that led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.

Early Life and Military Service

Dorie Miller was born on October 12, 1919, in Waco, Texas. Growing up in a poor African American family, Miller faced numerous challenges, including racism and limited opportunities. Despite these obstacles, he was determined to make a better life for himself and his family. In 1935, at the age of 16, Miller enlisted in the US Navy, hoping to escape the poverty and racism of his hometown.

Miller's decision to join the Navy was not taken lightly. At the time, the US military was segregated, and African Americans were relegated to menial tasks and relegated to the lower ranks. However, Miller was undeterred, and he saw the Navy as a way to gain skills, education, and a sense of purpose. He was assigned to the USS Raleigh , a cruiser that was part of the Pacific Fleet.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, the USS Raleigh was moored at Ford Island, a small island in the middle of Pearl Harbor. Miller was on duty as a mess attendant, responsible for serving meals to the ship's crew. At 7:55 am, a Japanese bomber dropped a bomb on the USS Arizona , which was moored nearby. The explosion was massive, and the USS Raleigh was quickly engulfed in flames.

Miller, who was just 22 years old at the time, sprang into action. Despite being a low-ranking sailor, he took charge of a 50-caliber machine gun and began firing at the Japanese planes. He continued to fire until he was ordered to stop, and he then helped other sailors to safety.

The Medal of Honor

Miller's bravery and selflessness on that fateful day did not go unnoticed. His actions were witnessed by his superiors, who were impressed by his courage and quick thinking. On May 27, 1942, Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States.

Miller's receipt of the Medal of Honor was a significant milestone in the history of the US military. It marked the first time that an African American sailor had received the award, and it helped to pave the way for future generations of African American service members.

Legacy

Dorie Miller's legacy extends far beyond his receipt of the Medal of Honor. He was a true hero, who risked his life to protect his fellow sailors and defend his country. His bravery and selflessness have inspired countless people, and his story continues to be told and retold to this day.

In 1973, the US Navy commissioned the USS Miller , a destroyer that was named in his honor. The ship served in the US Navy for over 20 years, and it was decommissioned in 1995.

Conclusion

Dorie Miller's story is a testament to the power of courage and selflessness. His bravery on that fateful day in Pearl Harbor has inspired generations, and his legacy continues to be felt today. As we reflect on his life and heroism, we are reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

The Answer

A. True

Additional Facts

Dorie Miller was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Miller's Medal of Honor was awarded to him by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 27, 1942.
Miller's story was immortalized in the 1943 film The Fighting Lady , which told the story of the USS Yorktown and its crew during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Miller's legacy continues to be celebrated today, with numerous monuments and memorials dedicated to his memory.

Sources

"Dorie Miller: The Hero of Pearl Harbor" by the US Navy
"The Medal of Honor: A History" by the US Army Center of Military History
"The USS Miller : A History" by the US Navy
"Dorie Miller: A Hero's Story" by the National World War II Museum
Dorie Miller: A Hero's Story - Q&A

Introduction

Q&A: Dorie Miller's Story

Q: Who was Dorie Miller? A: Dorie Miller was a young African American sailor who served in the US Navy during World War II. He was born on October 12, 1919, in Waco, Texas, and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16.

Q: What was Dorie Miller's role in the US Navy? A: Miller was a mess attendant, responsible for serving meals to the ship's crew. He was assigned to the USS Raleigh , a cruiser that was part of the Pacific Fleet.

Q: What happened on December 7, 1941? A: On December 7, 1941, the USS Raleigh was moored at Ford Island, a small island in the middle of Pearl Harbor. Miller was on duty when a Japanese bomber dropped a bomb on the USS Arizona , which was moored nearby. The explosion was massive, and the USS Raleigh was quickly engulfed in flames.

Q: What did Dorie Miller do during the attack on Pearl Harbor? A: Miller sprang into action, taking charge of a 50-caliber machine gun and firing at the Japanese planes. He continued to fire until he was ordered to stop, and he then helped other sailors to safety.

Q: Why was Dorie Miller awarded the Medal of Honor? A: Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and selflessness during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He risked his life to protect his fellow sailors and defend his country.

Q: What was the significance of Dorie Miller's Medal of Honor? A: Miller's receipt of the Medal of Honor was a significant milestone in the history of the US military. It marked the first time that an African American sailor had received the award, and it helped to pave the way for future generations of African American service members.

Q: What is Dorie Miller's legacy? A: Miller's legacy extends far beyond his receipt of the Medal of Honor. He was a true hero, who risked his life to protect his fellow sailors and defend his country. His bravery and selflessness have inspired countless people, and his story continues to be told and retold to this day.

Q: How is Dorie Miller remembered today? A: Miller's legacy is remembered through numerous monuments and memorials dedicated to his memory. The USS Miller , a destroyer that was named in his honor, served in the US Navy for over 20 years.

Additional Facts

Dorie Miller was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Miller's Medal of Honor was awarded to him by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 27, 1942.
Miller's story was immortalized in the 1943 film The Fighting Lady , which told the story of the USS Yorktown and its crew during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Miller's legacy continues to be celebrated today, with numerous events and ceremonies held in his honor.

Sources

"Dorie Miller: The Hero of Pearl Harbor" by the US Navy
"The Medal of Honor: A History" by the US Army Center of Military History
"The USS Miller : A History" by the US Navy
"Dorie Miller: A Hero's Story" by the National World War II Museum