Doris Miller, known as "Dorie" to shipmates and friends, was born in Waco, Texas, on 12 October 1919, to Henrietta and Conery Miller. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) had asked President Franklin D. Roosevelt to award the Distinguished Service Cross to the unknown black sailor. In 1973, the Knox-class frigate USS Miller was named for Doris Dorie Miller. View Social Media Profiles & Photos in One Place. Evan Bates, Aquatics Director . When the attack finally lessened, Miller helped move injured sailors through oil and water to the quarterdeck, thereby "unquestionably saving the lives of a number of people who might otherwise have been lost."[17]. [1]The ship had a crew of 960 men, and its primary functions were to serve as a convoy escort, to provide aircraft for close air support during amphibious landing operations, and to ferry aircraft to naval bases and fleet carriers at sea. Top 3 Results for Doris Miller. It was on the West Virginia where he started competition boxing, becoming the ship's heavyweight champion. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication We own and operate our on-site, private crematory - this means your loved one is always under our professional care. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/doris-miller-9289.php, The Hottest Male Celebrities With The Best Abs, The Top 25 Wrestling Announcers Of All Time, Famous Role Models You Would Like To Meet. He was a fullback on the football team at Waco's Alexander James Moore High School. Doris married Mike Miller on September 20, 1956 in Pesotum, who preceded her in death (January 21, 1994). Associated With Doris "Dorie" Miller (October 12, 1919 November 24, 1943) was a Messman Third Class in the United States Navy noted for his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. [11] On May 28, a granite marker was dedicated at Moore High School in Waco to honor him. Family Life. He was named Doris, as the midwife who assisted his mother was convinced before his birth that the baby would be a girl. The Navy Cross now precedes the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Miller was born in Waco, Texas, on October 12, 1919, to Connery and Henrietta Miller. After completing his training at Norfolk-based Naval Training Station, Doris Miller was promoted to Mess Attendant Third Class, and was initially assigned to the Pyro, an ammunition ship. DORIS MILLER (12 Oct.1919- 24 Nov.1943). Doris Dorie Miller was born on October 12, 1919 in Waco, Texas, the son of Connery and Henrietta Miller. Doris Miller. Aboard the Virginia, he took up competitive boxing, and quickly became the heavyweight champion on the ship and by February of 1941, he was promoted to Mess Attendant Second Class. [22] The All-Southern Negro Youth Conference launched a signature campaign on April 1719. "[11], Miller enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a mess attendant third class at the Naval Recruiting Station in Dallas, Texas, for six years on September 16, 1939. Doris Miller was officially declared dead by the Navy on November 25th, 1944. He has been portrayed in popular Hollywood movies like Tora! Delano expected Miller to feed ammunition to one gun, but his attention was diverted and, when he looked again, Miller was firing one of the guns. Often called "The Y," the Waco YMCA acts as an independent organization with its own board of directors and staff. After training in Hawaii waters, Liscome Bay left Pearl Harbor on November 10, 1943 to join the Northern Task Force, Task Group 52.