ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 An Orlando American Legion post will hold a birthday celebration Sunday honoring World War II hero Doris \u201cDorie\u201d Miller.<\/p>\n
The program will begin at 3 p.m. at the Doris \u201cDorie\u201d Miller Memorial American Legion Post 331, located at 4325 Fairmont St. in Orlando.<\/p>\n
Miller was serving as a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Miller became the first Black sailor to receive the Navy Cross for his actions at Pearl Harbor.<\/p>\n
He was later assigned to the USS Liscome Bay and died when a Japanese submarine torpedoed the escort carrier on Nov. 24, 1943.<\/p>\n
The Navy has named a future Ford-class aircraft carrier, CVN-81, in Miller\u2019s honor. It will be the first aircraft carrier named for a Black American and an enlisted sailor.<\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s event will feature guest speaker Xavier Moss, an artist and educator who has created historical murals in the Oviedo area.<\/p>\n
Organizers invited veterans, Gold Star families, government officials, Orange County residents and American Legion members to attend.<\/p>\n
For additional information, contact Post 331 Chaplain George McZeal Jr. at 407-292-0711 or gmczeal@aol.com.<\/p>\n
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