Preserve the name USS Doris Miller CVN-81
Preserve the name USS Doris Miller CVN-81
The Issue
Doris Miller was a hero at Pearl Harbor and deserves to be honored for his bravery and sacrifice. As an African American sailor during World War II, he faced significant racial discrimination, yet he rose above these challenges to perform acts of extraordinary valor that played a crucial role during one of the darkest days in American history.
On December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller, a mess attendant with no formal combat training, manned an anti-aircraft gun and returned fire against enemy planes, reportedly downing several. He also aided the mortally wounded captain of the battleship West Virginia and carried many of his fellow servicemen to safety. For his heroism, Miller was awarded the Navy Cross, becoming the first African American to receive this distinction. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was sunk in the Gilbert Islands.
The USS Doris Miller CVN-81 was named to honor this remarkable man and his legacy, standing as a testament to the courage and dedication displayed by those who serve under challenging circumstances. Renaming this ship would not only undermine the importance of his tribute but also diminish the recognition of African American contributions to our nation's history.
This is more than just a name; it is a symbol of the progress we aspire to, acknowledging that bravery knows no racial boundaries. Our country must continue to remember and honor heroes like Doris Miller, who overcame adversity to perform selfless acts for the greater good.
As we approach crucial moments of remembrance and recognize unsung heroes, it is imperative to preserve the integrity and intent behind the naming of the USS Doris Miller CVN-81. Let us not rewrite history but instead embrace it by commemorating the contributions of all those who shaped it.
Please join us in urging the U.S. Navy to keep the name of the USS Doris Miller as a tribute to a true American hero. Sign this petition to ensure that Doris Miller's legacy endures for future generations.
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The Issue
Doris Miller was a hero at Pearl Harbor and deserves to be honored for his bravery and sacrifice. As an African American sailor during World War II, he faced significant racial discrimination, yet he rose above these challenges to perform acts of extraordinary valor that played a crucial role during one of the darkest days in American history.
On December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller, a mess attendant with no formal combat training, manned an anti-aircraft gun and returned fire against enemy planes, reportedly downing several. He also aided the mortally wounded captain of the battleship West Virginia and carried many of his fellow servicemen to safety. For his heroism, Miller was awarded the Navy Cross, becoming the first African American to receive this distinction. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was sunk in the Gilbert Islands.
The USS Doris Miller CVN-81 was named to honor this remarkable man and his legacy, standing as a testament to the courage and dedication displayed by those who serve under challenging circumstances. Renaming this ship would not only undermine the importance of his tribute but also diminish the recognition of African American contributions to our nation's history.
This is more than just a name; it is a symbol of the progress we aspire to, acknowledging that bravery knows no racial boundaries. Our country must continue to remember and honor heroes like Doris Miller, who overcame adversity to perform selfless acts for the greater good.
As we approach crucial moments of remembrance and recognize unsung heroes, it is imperative to preserve the integrity and intent behind the naming of the USS Doris Miller CVN-81. Let us not rewrite history but instead embrace it by commemorating the contributions of all those who shaped it.
Please join us in urging the U.S. Navy to keep the name of the USS Doris Miller as a tribute to a true American hero. Sign this petition to ensure that Doris Miller's legacy endures for future generations.
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Petition created on August 21, 2026