Introduction of the Doris Miller Medal of Honor Act of 2020

Floor Speech

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Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill titled the Doris Miller Medal of Honor Act of 2020. This bill would waive the statute of limitations to upgrade Doris Miller's Navy Cross to a Medal of Honor--an upgrade that is long overdue and exceedingly appropriate.

On December 7, 1941, we experienced one of the most calamitous territorial attacks in our nation's history at Pearl Harbor. On this day, the dedication and courage of many of our service members were tried and proven true--one of which whose story I would like to tell.

Doris Miller was born on October 12, 1919, in my hometown of Waco, Texas, to parents Henrietta and Conery Miller. He worked on his father's farm until 1938, after which he enlisted in the Navy to earn money for his family. At the time the Navy did not allow sailors of color to enlist in combat roles, leaving Miller relegated to a service- based role as a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia--where he was stationed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The USS West Virginia's Action Report acknowledged Miller and his shipmates' bravery for having ``carried out every order promptly and enthusiastically, even when it meant danger to themselves. They did not attempt to abandon the bridge until ordered to do so,'' and was described as ``instrumental in hauling people along through oil and water to the quarterdeck, thereby unquestionably saving the lives of a number of people who might otherwise have been lost.'' For his actions aboard the West Virginia, Miller was awarded the Navy Cross, cited for ``distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941.''

Miller's actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor reflect unquestionably what the Medal of Honor represents; to honor those who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty. It is also important to note that of the 15 sailors who were awarded the Medal of Honor for similar actions during the attack, not a single one was African American.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill to award Doris Miller the highest honor that our nation can bestow upon a service member.

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