Doris Miller - World War II

World War II

Miller′s rate was raised to Mess Attendant First Class on June 1, 1942. On June, 27, The Pittsburgh Courier called for Miller to be allowed to return home for a war bond tour like white heroes. On November 23, Miller returned to Pearl Harbor and was ordered on a war bond tour while still attached to the heavy cruiser Indianapolis. In December 1942 and January 1943, he gave talks in Oakland, California, in his hometown of Waco, Texas, in Dallas, and to the first graduating class of African-American sailors from Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Chicago.

In its February 6, 1943 issue, the Pittsburgh Courier continued to hammer to return Miller for a war bond tour. The caption to Miller′s photo in the article read, "He fought...Keeps Mop", while another hero of the Pearl Harbor attack received an officer's commission. It said that Miller was "too important waiting tables in the Pacific to return him", even though he was already on tour.

Doris Miller reported for duty at Puget Sound Navy Yard on May 15, 1943. His rate was raised to Petty Officer, Ship′s Cook Third Class on June 1st when he reported to the escort carrier Liscome Bay. After training in Hawaii and in the Gilbert Islands, the Liscome Bay took part in the Battle of Tarawa beginning on November 20. On November 24, the ship was struck in the stern by a single torpedo from the Japanese submarine I-175. The aircraft bomb magazine detonated a few moments later, sinking the warship within minutes. There were 272 survivors, but Miller was not among them. The rest of the crew was listed as "presumed dead". Two years after his heroic actions at Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1943, Miller′s parents were notified their son was "Missing in Action".

A memorial service was held on April 30, 1944, at the Waco, Texas, Second Baptist Church, sponsored by the Victory Club. On 28 May, a granite marker was dedicated at Moore High School to honor Miller. On 25 November 1944, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal announced that Miller was "presumed dead".