On the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, Waco’s own Doris Miller is honored in a special dedication.
The young sailor was collecting laundry aboard the USS West Virginia, when bombs erupted through Pearl Harbor. A dedication of the Doris Miller Memorial packed the Bledsoe-Miller Center. Among the hundreds in attendance included his family.
“To come see the turnout that are involved. That love our country, loves Doris Miller,” said Leroy Ellis-Miller, great nephew of Doris Miller.
Miller rushed to bring the injured to safety. He then raced to the deck gun, something he was never trained to use before. Without hesitation, he began firing at the enemy until he ran out of ammunition. The crew was then forced to abandoned ship.
He was the first African American to be awarded the navy cross, the third highest honor given by the U.S. Navy at the time.
Miller did not wake up that day thinking he would save a life, but he answered the call of duty just the same. His family says they hope others do the same.
“It doesn’t have to be a person of high stature to make that difference,” said Thomas Bledsoe, great nephew of Doris Miller.
The memorial is not yet finished. Donations are being accepted at this website.
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