Doris Miller Accomplishments

During WWII, around 75 million people around the world were killed, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. WWII drastically changed the course of human history and everyone who lived during the time was impacted. During that time, African Americans in the US faced brutal segregation and discrimination with Jim Crow laws creating a “separate but equal” environment where public facilities for black citizens and white citizens were allowed to be separate as long as they were equal, although many facilities for Black citizens were often inferior. From buying a house to eating at a restaurant, black Americans were not given the same freedom and liberty white Americans were able to experience. Although the experiences of African Americans during WWII were filled with racial discrimination and

Doris enlisted in the army on September 16th, 1939 as a mess attendant third class for six years. On December 7th, 1941, during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller carried many wounded soldiers to safety, including his mortally wounded captain. He then fired an anti-aircraft gun until he ran out of ammo and was forced to abandon the ship. For his acts of bravery, Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross and recognized as one of the “first US heroes of WWII”. Miller’s accomplishments paved the way for new steps to be taken toward equality, and eventually led to desegregation in the military. He became a face that represented black patriotism, heroism, and strength throughout America. His actions challenged prevailing stereotypes and prejudices about African Americans and their capabilities to perform under pressure. Doris’ patriotism and heroism demonstrated to Americans and the world that black citizens were just as capable as white citizens, and his actions were a key catalyst for civil rights in America. Another important group of African American soldiers was the Tuskegee