Messman Third Class Doris "Dorie" Miller was serving on the battleship West Virginia and was sorting laundry when Japanese planes bombed and torpedoed his ship. Ordered topside to evacuate the captain, who lay mortally wounded, Miller discovered an unmanned .50-caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun and fired at the attacking aircraft. He also assisted in getting some of the wounded to safety.

At the time, African Americans were not allowed to fire lethal weapons. In fact, blacks at that time couldn't serve in any other capacity except in the mess.

At first, the Navy refused to recognize his act of heroism. But a black newspaper highlighted his story, putting pressure on the Navy to give him a letter of commendation. Eventually, President Roosevelt awarded him the Navy Cross, given to Miller by Admiral Chester Nimitz. Miller was the first black to receive the award... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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