This Day in History: Doris Miller becomes first Black American to receive Navy Cross

(WDBJ) - May 27, 1942:

Doris “Dorie” Miller, a cook aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia became the first Black American to receive the Navy Cross.

Miller received the cross for displaying extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

Gray Media, parent company of WDBJ7, is celebrating the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States of America with a year-long look at our country called “We the People”.