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Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Cook Third Class Doris Miller, USN, (1919-1943)

Doris ("Dorie") Miller was born in Waco, Texas, on 12 October 1919. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1939 as a Mess Attendant Third Class. On 7 December 1941, while serving aboard USS West Virginia (BB-48), he distinguished himself by courageous conduct and devotion to duty during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on this occasion.

Doris Miller served aboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35) from December 1941 to May 1943. He was then assigned to the escort carrier Liscome Bay (CVE-56). Cook Third Class Miller was lost with that ship when she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on 24 November 1943, during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands.

For related textual resources, see "Frequently Asked Questions": Ship's Cook Third Class Doris Miller.

USS Miller (DE-1091) was named in honor of Cook Third Class Doris Miller.

This page features photographs of Doris Miller.

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: 80-G-408456

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN (1919-1943)


Just after being presented with the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942.
The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 55KB; 595 x 765 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-23588

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN


Receives the Navy Cross from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, at an awards ceremony held on the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942.
The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 88KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-23590

Lieutenant Commander Clarence W. McClusky, Jr., USN,

Air Group Commander, USS Enterprise (CV-6)

Receives the Distinguished Flying Cross from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, at an awards ceremony held on the Enterprise's flight deck at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942.
In the foreground, right, is Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller, who received the Navy Cross.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 96KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294808

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant First Class, USN


Speaking during a visit to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, on 7 January 1943.
He is wearing the Navy Cross medal, awarded for heroism during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 85KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294804

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant First Class, USN


Talking with three other sailors and a civilian, during his visit to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, 7 January 1943.
He is wearing the Navy Cross medal, awarded for heroism during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 85KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

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Text revised 2 February 1999