Press Releases

U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) has introduced legislation to name the Waco Veterans Affairs Medical Center in honor of Doris “Dorie” Miller, one of Waco’s highly decorated World War II veterans.

“It is with great honor and much respect that I have started the legislative process to name the Waco VA Medical Center after Dorie Miller, one of Central Texas’ greatest American heroes. The tremendous courage and bravery he showed during the attack on Pearl Harbor is worthy of such an honor.” Flores said. “By naming the center after a local hero, we will preserve the memory of Miller’s outstanding valor and duty to serve our country.”

Petty Officer Doris Miller served in the U.S. Navy from 1939-1943. He was assigned to the USS West Virginia as a mess attendant. While under heavy enemy fire during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller rescued Captain Mervyn Bennion, who had been mortally wounded, and then manned an anti-aircraft machine gun. He returned fire upon the enemy until he was out of ammunition and reportedly downed one to three enemy planes. In the final moments before the ship sank, Miller continued his heroism by carrying many of his wounded shipmates to safety and saving the lives several sailors in the process.

Miller would continue his WWII service aboard the USS Liscome Bay during Operation Galvanic. On November 24, 1943, a Japanese submarine struck the carrier and within minutes the vessel sank. Miller was one of the 646 sailors that lost their lives that day aboard the Liscome Bay.

In recognition of his heroism at Pearl Harbor, Miller was commended and awarded the Navy Cross, marking the first time an African American would receive the second highest military decoration for valor. In addition to the Navy Cross, he was also awarded a Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

“Dorie Miller rose above and beyond the call of duty for both his country and fellow man. His actions at Pearl Harbor led him to be recognized as one of the first heroes of World War II, distinguishing himself as a great African American hero in U.S. history,” said Flores. “Each year, the Waco VA Medical Center assists thousands of Central Texas veterans.  By naming the center after Miller, we not only pay honor to his service and sacrifice but also to that of all veterans.”

Flores introduced, H.R 4199, which designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Waco as the “Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.” Following introduction of the bill, which has Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) as an original co-sponsor, Flores was able to obtain the signatures of every Texas Democratic and Republican member of the House of Representatives to co-sponsor the bill. Texas Senator John Cornyn has introduced identical legislation in the U.S. Senate, which has also been co-sponsored by Texas Senator Ted Cruz. 

The bill has been referred to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration. To view the text of the bill, visit Flores.house.gov/uploads/HR1499.pdf