This bill posthumously awards Doris Miller a Congressional Gold Medal for his valor in the Navy during World War II, particularly for his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Kweisi Mfume
Representative
MD-7
The Doris Miller Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Doris Miller, honoring his valor in the Navy during World War II. The Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design and create the gold medal, which will then be displayed by the Smithsonian Institution and made available for research. The Act also permits the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Congress Moves to Award Posthumous Gold Medal to WWII Navy Hero Doris Miller
This legislation sets the stage to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Doris Miller, recognizing his extraordinary bravery while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The act specifically honors his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
A Hero's Story, Finally Cast in Gold
The bill lays out the facts: Doris Miller, an African-American sailor, was initially restricted to non-combat roles due to Navy policy at the time. During the Pearl Harbor attack, however, Miller, serving aboard the USS West Virginia, sprang into action. The legislation highlights findings that he assisted his mortally wounded Captain, helped move other injured sailors to safety, and then manned an anti-aircraft machine gun—despite having no formal training on the weapon—to fire at attacking planes. His actions earned him the Navy Cross, personally presented by Admiral Chester Nimitz in 1942, a significant recognition following initial delays and pressure from groups like the NAACP. Tragically, Miller was killed in action in 1943.
More Than Just Metal: Making and Sharing the Honor
Beyond the recognition, the bill details the practical steps. It authorizes the leaders of the House and Senate to arrange the medal presentation. The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with designing and striking the gold medal. Once created, the medal is designated for display at the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring public access, though Congress encourages displaying it elsewhere connected to Miller's life too. To cover costs, the bill allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public, with proceeds going back into the Mint's fund. This ensures the honor is created without needing separate taxpayer appropriations and allows more people to have a piece of this recognition.