Did you know that not one Black soldier or sailor was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in World War Two? Quite a few were nominated, and several were approved up to the general or admiral level, but none got the final OK.
One of these forgotten heroes is Dorie Miller, after whom the park in Lewisburg is named.
Miller was the hero of the attack on the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Although a cook with no combat training, Miler grabbed a machine gun and hit several Japanese planes – and then saved the life of the ship’s Captain.
Several local people feel that, 84 years after his heroic feats, it’s time to give Miller his rightful recognition. If you agree or would like to learn more about Miller, you can email honordorie@gmail.com.
