Doris Miller

The call to action, some hear it more than others. but the ones who listen are few. Doris Miller was just a cook onboard the USS West Virginia. During the bombing of Pearl Harbor he usd a 50 caliber AA gun to fight off the Japanese aircraft. That is why Doris Miller is an all American hero.

Doris Miller was just a simple cook on board the USS West Virginia who hadn't even been trained in how to use a mounted weapon. He was the heavyweight boxing champion onboard the ship he was serving on because of his physical strength and abilities. During the attack and after finding that his battle station was destroyed, he was ordered to pull wounded men away from battle. This is what made him go up on deck to see how he could help. He ws sent to get the captain who he discovered was mortally wounded. After finding this he manned a Browning fifty caliber anti-aircraft gun.

Most people in the military have to go through basic training and years of work to do what Doris did. With little to no training in combat, no one expected Doris to do what he did. During the attack Doris shot down at least one Japanese plane. He used the Browning machine gun for about fifteen minutes until he ran out of ammo and was forced to abandon ship. He might have saved lives by doing what he did and helped to keep the Japanese at bay. He was a great man to say the least.

For his bravery he received many awards. Among them were the Navy Cross, The Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Most of these are only awarded to men and women who risk all. These are not awarded to just anyone, you have to attain a great victory to get these awards.

All in all Doris Miller is an amazing man and many even call him a hero. He has obtained many great awards and medals and will always be remembered. Many people like him are in the military today. Everyone has the potential to be great but the one who use it are greater.