U.S. Navy to Name Aircraft Carrier After World War II Hero and Texas Native Doris Miller, First African American Navy Cross Recipient

HONOLULU (WBAP/KLIF News) – An African American World War II hero will be given one of the highest honors in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The U.S. Navy announced it will honor Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller of Texas by naming a new aircraft carrier after the late sailor Monday afternoon.

Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for valor when he fired back at Japanese planes by manning a machine gun on the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941.

His brave efforts took place during a time when African Americans were not allowed to man those weapons.

Miller died in November 1943 while serving on a ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine.

In a historic moment just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, @SECNAV announces that the newest #USNavy aircraft carrier will be named USS Doris Miller #CVN81. Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross.

Full story: https://t.co/PTHsPudfLO pic.twitter.com/BPGGp3HGER

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) January 19, 2020