Naming a Legacy: The USS Doris Miller and the Politics of Honor The US Navy is reconsidering the naming of an aircraft carrier originally set to honor Doris Miller, a Black enlisted sailor who demonstrated remarkable bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Miller's actions – taking control of an anti aircraft gun despite not being trained on it – saved countless lives and earned him the Navy Cross.
Miller was chosen to have his name emblazoned on the aircraft carrier, making it the first such vessel to be named after a Black enlisted sailor.