Bill Summary
This legislation is a bill that seeks to authorize the President of the United States to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for his acts of valor while serving in the Navy during World War II. The bill outlines several key findings about Miller's contributions, particularly highlighting the racial discrimination he faced as an African American sailor, which limited his opportunities for combat roles.
During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Miller displayed extraordinary courage by assisting his mortally wounded captain and manning a machine gun against enemy aircraft, actions for which he was later awarded the Navy Cross. Despite his bravery, it is noted that no African American sailors received the Medal of Honor for similar acts during that time, and the bill asserts that Miller deserves this recognition as a testament to his heroism. The legislation also waives any time limitations on the awarding of such medals, ensuring that Miller can be honored appropriately for his service and sacrifice.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Doris Miller could affect people:
1. **Recognition of Historical Injustice**: This legislation serves to recognize and rectify historical injustices faced by African American service members during World War II. By awarding the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller, it acknowledges the racial discrimination that prevented many African Americans from receiving equal recognition for their bravery. This recognition can inspire discussions about equity and justice in military history, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the contributions of marginalized groups.
2. **Inspiration for Future Generations**: The posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. It highlights the importance of courage, service, and perseverance in the face of adversity. This recognition can motivate individuals to pursue careers in the military, public service, or activism, encouraging them to follow in the footsteps of trailblazers like Miller who exemplified bravery and integrity.
3. **Cultural and Community Impact**: This legislation can have a significant impact on communities, particularly those with a strong connection to Miller's legacy. Celebrating his life and heroism through the Medal of Honor can strengthen community pride and cultural identity. It may lead to local events, educational programs, and memorials that honor Miller and other unsung heroes, fostering a sense of unity and shared history within communities, especially among African American citizens who see their contributions being recognized at the highest levels.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2335 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2335
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller
posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World
War II.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 25, 2025
Mr. Mfume (for himself, Ms. Norton, Mr. Carson, Ms. Brown, Mr. Davis of
Illinois, Mr. Connolly, Ms. Crockett, Ms. Sewell, Ms. Clarke of New
York, Mr. Lynch, and Ms. Moore of Wisconsin) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller
posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World
War II.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Doris Miller, like other African-American sailors of
his day, was generally relegated to service-based roles on
ships, as the Navy did not allow sailors of color to enlist in
combat roles.
(2) Doris Miller was acknowledged in the USS West Virginia
Action Report, individually, along with other brave personnel
for having ``carried out every order promptly and
enthusiastically, even when it meant danger to themselves. They
did not attempt to abandon the bridge until ordered to do so''.
(3) Doris Miller aided other service members and ``was
instrumental in hauling people along through oil and water to
the quarterdeck, thereby unquestionably saving the lives of a
number of people who might otherwise have been lost''.
(4) On December 15, 1941, the Navy released its
commendations for actions in Pearl Harbor which included one
``unnamed Negro''. It wasn't until March of 1942, at the behest
of the NAACP, that the Navy formally recognized Miller's
heroism.
(5) Doris Miller was recognized by the Navy and awarded the
Navy Cross Medal with the citation reading ``For distinguished
devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his
own personal safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl
Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7,
1941. While at the side of his Captain on the bridge, Miller,
despite enemy strafing and bombing and in the face of a serious
fire, assisted in moving his Captain, who had been mortally
wounded, to a place of greater safety, and later manned and
operated a machine gun directed at enemy Japanese attacking
aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge.''.
(6) On May 27, 1942, Admiral Chester Nimitz personally
pinned the Navy Cross to Miller's left breast pocket while on
board the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.
(7) Doris Miller died in action on November 24, 1943, on
board the USS Liscome Bay in the Pacific Ocean after a single
Japanese torpedo sank the vessel off the coast of Butaritari
Island.
(8) Of the 15 sailors who were awarded the Medal of Honor
for similar actions taken during the attack on Pearl Harbor,
not one was African American.
(9) Doris Miller deserves the highest honor the United
States can bestow upon a member of the Armed Forces.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO DORIS
MILLER FOR ACTS OF VALOR WHILE A MEMBER OF THE NAVY
DURING WORLD WAR II.
Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a)
and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation
with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in
the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of
Honor posthumously, under section 8291 of such title, to Doris Miller
for acts of valor during World War II while a member of the Navy, for
which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross.
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