Flores' Bill Honoring Dorie Miller Signed Into Law

Statement

The president has signed into law Congressman Bill Flores' (R-Texas) bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Waco, Texas, as the "Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center." Flores released the following statement regarding the bill being signed into law:

"It is fulfilling to see our efforts to honor Doris Miller, a Central Texas World War II hero, receive the president's signature and become law. It has been an honor to lead the effort to pay tribute to a great American hero who showed tremendous courage and bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. By naming the Waco VA Medical Center after such a distinguished local hero, we will preserve the memory of his outstanding heroism for years to come.

"I would like to thank Senator Cornyn for his help in getting this bill passed by the Senate. I would also like to thank all of my fellow Texas Congressional colleagues for their continued support of this legislation. I look forward to finalizing this tribute and to the forthcoming dedication ceremony."

Petty Officer Doris Miller served in the U.S. Navy from 1939-1943. He was assigned to the USS West Virginia as a mess attendant. While under heavy enemy fire during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller rescued Captain Mervyn Bennion, who had been mortally wounded, and then manned an anti-aircraft machine gun. He returned fire upon the enemy until he was out of ammunition and reportedly downed one to three enemy planes. In the final moments before the ship sank, Miller continued his heroism by carrying many of his wounded shipmates to safety and saving the lives several sailors in the process. In addition to the Navy Cross, Miller was also awarded a Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

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