H.R. 2335: To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for … (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill proposes that the President of the United States be authorized to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously. The bill highlights several key points regarding Miller's service and valor during World War II:

Key Findings

Doris Miller served in a service-based role in the Navy due to racial restrictions of the time that prevented African-American sailors from enlisting in combat roles.
He was recognized in the USS West Virginia Action Report for carrying out orders promptly, even under dangerous conditions.
Miller played a significant role in rescuing fellow service members during the attack on Pearl Harbor, saving lives as he assisted others to safety.
Initially, his heroism was recognized only as an unnamed crew member until the NAACP urged for proper acknowledgment, leading to formal recognition of his actions in 1942.
Miller received the Navy Cross for extraordinary courage during the Pearl Harbor attack, which detailed his bravery in moving his wounded Captain to safety and operating a machine gun against enemy aircraft.
He was personally awarded the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester Nimitz in May 1942.
Doris Miller died in action in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was sunk by a Japanese torpedo.
Despite the acts of valor exhibited by numerous sailors at Pearl Harbor, none of the 15 Medal of Honor recipients were African American.
The bill concludes that Doris Miller deserves the highest military honor the United States can provide.

Authorization Provision

The bill allows the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller without regard to any established time limits that usually apply to the awarding of military medals. This override of time limitations recognizes Miller's valor during World War II, for which he had previously received the Navy Cross.

Conclusion

In essence, this legislation aims to ensure that Doris Miller's bravery and contributions to the Navy during a critical time in American history are officially honored with the Medal of Honor, rectifying the historical oversight of African-American service members in such recognitions.