Doris "Dorie" Miller was a navy cook who distinguished himself by his bravery during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Mr Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross.

Doris was born in Waco Texas in 1919 and was known as "Raging Bull" when he played high school football probably because of his size and the position that he played (fullback).

During the attack on Pearl Harbor he responded to general quarters early that morning but his initial duty station had already been destroyed. He was subsequently tasked to help carry wounded soldiers below deck. Afterwards he was ordered to man 2 Browning 50 caliber anti-aircraft machine guns. He didn't have any formal training on the weapons but began to use them to shoot at enemy aircraft which he did until he ran out of ammunition. He had to later abandon ship with the rest of the crew when the Nevada sank. He was subsequently visited by the then Secretary of the Navy because of this act of bravery. He was awarded the Navy Cross after this visit.