ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando American Legion post will hold a birthday celebration Sunday honoring World War II hero Doris “Dorie” Miller.
The program will begin at 3 p.m. at the Doris “Dorie” Miller Memorial American Legion Post 331, located at 4325 Fairmont St. in Orlando.
Miller was serving as a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Despite having no formal training with the weapon, Miller operated an anti-aircraft gun during the attack. He also helped move his wounded captain and assisted other injured sailors.
Miller became the first Black sailor to receive the Navy Cross for his actions at Pearl Harbor.
He was later assigned to the USS Liscome Bay and died when a Japanese submarine torpedoed the escort carrier on Nov. 24, 1943.
The Navy has named a future Ford-class aircraft carrier, CVN-81, in Miller’s honor. It will be the first aircraft carrier named for a Black American and an enlisted sailor.
Sunday’s event will feature guest speaker Xavier Moss, an artist and educator who has created historical murals in the Oviedo area.
Organizers invited veterans, Gold Star families, government officials, Orange County residents and American Legion members to attend.
For additional information, contact Post 331 Chaplain George McZeal Jr. at 407-292-0711 or gmczeal@aol.com.
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