K4704

Distinguished Sailors

Petty Officer 3rd Doris Miller - Emblem of USS Miller

Collins Cover Announcement 

Distinguished Sailors

Doris "Dorie" Miller

Miller was a cook na the U.S. Navy who became a hero and a military legend as a result of his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. For his bravery, he was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross.

He enlisted in 1939 and in 1940 was assigned to the U.S.S. West Virginia as a mess attendant (cook). In July of that year, he had temporary duty on the U.S.S. Nevada where he was assigned to gunnery school. On August 3, 1941, he returned to the West Virginia.

On the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, upon hearing the alarm for general quarters, he headed for his battle station only to find it already destroyed. Upon seeing a pair of unattended Browning .50 caliber anti-aircraft guns, Miller manned one and began firing at the attacking Japanese planes until he ran out of ammo. Admiral Chester Nimitz personally awarded the Navy Cross to Miller at a later date on the carrier U.S.S. Enterprise for his extraordinary courage. The distinguished sailor was later killed in the Battle of Tarawa when his ship was sunk by a Japanese Torpedo.

My individually hand painted cachet features the U.S.S.West Virginia which was sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack. I'm honored to announce this cover for American hero Doris "Dorie" Miller. Collins #K4704 — $14.00.