A salute to Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller and all veterans

As maritime songs go, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot remains an incredible song that depicts the sinking of the bulk carrier on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Lightfoot needed six minutes and 32 seconds to deliver the chilling recollection of this Wisconsin factory built mammoth ship that hauled iron ore. Twenty-nine men died as the ship took on water as swells reached 35 feet and winds howled to 100 miles per hour.

Another maritime event and individual deserves significant honor, especially as we recognize U.S. veterans who serve this nation. First, name a famous Doris. Thanks for your immediate Doris Day response. Now, name a famous man named Doris.

We could play that Jeopardy music 24-7 and most people would not deliver an accurate answer without a Google search. Ladies and gentlemen, turn your eyes, ears, minds and hearts toward Doris “Dorie” Miller who deserves a song that underscores an amazing life as an American Messman Third Class member of the United States Navy.

First, many black men who served in the U.S. military were prevented from fighting due to distorted beliefs that they lacked courage. So, despite the fact that they signed on to defend U.S. interests, most were chained to duties as cooks and mess hall servants. They held mops, not weapons.

On December 7, 1941, Miller served aboard the battleship West Virginia in Pearl Harbor. He handled breakfast duty then collected laundry. The Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi soon launched the first of nine torpedoes that struck the U.S. ship. Miller received orders to assist in moving injured ship captain, Mervyn Bennion, after shrapnel ripped a hole in his stomach. Miller and a second mate carried Bennion to safety.

This event ranks as no urban legend as Lieutenant Frederic H. White ordered Miller and ensign Victor Delano to support efforts to load two Browning .50 caliber antiaircraft machine guns.

White and Delano showed Miller how to work those guns and within minutes, Doris, named as a female due to his mother’s midwife miscalculation, fired on enemy aircraft. Later, Miller carried many injured sailors off the severely damaged West Virginia, which eventually sank after most officers abandoned ship.

Can you imagine, making scrambled eggs, washing dishes and doing laundry then being called on to join the fight? On January, 1, 1942, the Navy recognized numerous sailors for valor displayed on December 7. The list of commendations included an award for “an unnamed Negro” shipmate.

My body chills with these circumstances, especially when most black men, even my father as an enlisted Army man, had assumed subservient roles. The U.S. had this one true black pearl of a hero and nobody knew him.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) petitioned for an award for the “unknown Negro sailor”. The Associated Press and the African-American Pittsburgh Courier ended the black mystery as an article identified Miller as the U.S. hero.

Miller eventually became the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross “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,” his citation reads.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz reportedly said, “This marks the first time in this conflict that such high tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a member of his race and I’m sure that the future will see others similarly honored for brave acts.”

Black newspapers played an integral role in telling this fabulous Doris “Dorie” Miller story which would eventually include the U.S. Navy using his photo for recruiting efforts.

Nearly two years after Pearl Harbor, Miller, 24, died when the ship USS Liscome Bay sank after being struck by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Makin.

My heart holds awe for military members who sign on to defend U.S. freedom. A special acknowledgement understands sacrifices made by many people who fought for this country then returned home to face discrimination, hatred, bigotry and gender bias.

Even today, brave LGBTQ military members don U.S. service uniforms despite facing serious civil rights challenges in their homeland. A personal reverence exists for these modern-day freedom fighters and my father, brothers, Willie (U.S. Marine Corps) and Robert (Navy), who passed away one year ago, plus, so many minority men and women who were treated horribly after arriving home.

And what this country did to Vietnam service members, first, sending them to a deplorable war, then hating them upon their return, remains a national disgrace.

On this Veterans Day, we salute men and women who defend this nation’s promises, protections and truths. However, their lives and deaths mean nothing if this country and citizens fail to deliver on those rights.

Finally, urban classrooms must expand our history playbook and tell stories other than Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Our historical circle should include the 65th Infantry Regiment aka “The Borinqueneers” and Uriah Phillips Levy, the first Jewish-American Commodore of the United States Navy and a veteran of the War of 1812 and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover.

In September 2015, the number of women veterans totaled more than two million, including Sarah Emma Edmonds, a Civil War hero, and Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody and Cathay Williams, one of the first female African-American veterans with service as a Buffalo Solider.

These United States should adopt a message that “If You Serve, You Deserve.”

Thanks to all veterans and others who defend my right to free speech, free love and freedom.