Doris Miller

War Hero

Birthday October 12, 1919

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Waco, TX

DEATH DATE Nov 24, 1943 (24)

#76587 Most Popular

About

U.S. Navy cook who was the first African-American recipient of the prestigious Navy Cross.

Before Fame

He worked on his family's farm before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1939.

Trivia

He fired anti-aircraft bullets at Japanese attackers and led injured American sailors to safety during the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

Family Life

He was one of four sons born to Henrietta and Connery Miller.

Associated With

He was the subject of Gwendolyn Brooks ' poem "Negro Hero."