Distinguished Sailor Stamp Unveiled

Doris “Dorie” Miller honored at Savannah Post Office.

By: Tina Tyus-Shaw | WSAV-TV
Published: February 23, 2010

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(Savannah) A big celebration this morning highlighting Black History Month. Doris Miller was the first black American hero of World War II.
He became an inspiration to generations of Americans for his actions at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Miller helped rescue scores of shipmates wounded or trapped in wreckage. Never trained, Miller manned an unattended 50-caliber machine gun to fire on japanese aircraft. He was later awarded the Navy Cross. Today Savannah Postmaster Barbara King unveiled an enlargement of the 44-cent Doris Miller commemorative stamp. "We take pride in recognizing African Americans for their contributions to the nation, and its always a great honor to do that," says King. The stamp is available for purchase along with stamps of the three other Distinguished Sailors who served with bravery during the 20th century. William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, and John McCloy.