black mens roles in the navy world war 2

Black Men's Roles in the Navy During World War 2

World War 2 saw the involvement of millions of people from across the globe, including African Americans. While many may not be aware of their contributions to the war effort, black men played a significant role in the United States Navy during this period. One such individual was Doris Miller, who became an iconic emblem of the fight for civil rights.

Born on October 12, 1919, Miller joined the Navy as a cook second class and served aboard various ships, including the battleship West Virginia. This ship was sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Miller survived this attack, but his bravery was put to the test again when he served aboard the escort carrier Liscome Bay.

In November 1943, Miller was killed in action when Liscome Bay was sunk by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Makin in the Gilbert Islands. His actions that day earned him the Navy Cross, the highest decoration for valor presented by the U.S., making him the first Black American to receive this honor. Miller's selflessness and bravery were remarkable, as he helped several wounded sailors while manning an anti-aircraft machine gun with no training.

Miller's story did not go unnoticed, particularly within the Black press. His heroism inspired a wave of publicity that further solidified his status as a symbol of African American fight for civil rights. Today, we remember Miller as a pioneering figure in the struggle for racial equality and recognize the significant contributions he made to the United States Navy during World War 2.

Black mens roles in the navy world war 2