Bill > HR2335

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller, an African-American sailor who served during World War II, in recognition of his heroic actions during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The bill highlights Miller's remarkable courage, noting that at a time when African-American sailors were typically restricted to service-based roles, he heroically assisted wounded crew members and manned a machine gun during the Japanese attack, despite being under enemy fire. Initially recognized with a Navy Cross Medal, Miller was one of the few African-American servicemen acknowledged for bravery at Pearl Harbor, with the bill pointing out that of the 15 sailors awarded the Medal of Honor for similar actions, none were African American. The legislation specifically waives existing time limitations for medal awards, enabling the President to officially honor Miller's extraordinary valor and service, which included saving multiple lives and continuing to fight despite extreme danger, and which ultimately ended when Miller was killed in action in 1943 aboard the USS Liscome Bay. The bill emphasizes Miller's significance as a pioneering figure who demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of both enemy attack and racial discrimination.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2335/all-info