World War II Waco Ship Officer Honored at Port Day Memorial

On December 8, 2024By Online Niel

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Petty Officer 3rd Class Doris Miller was honored at a Port Day memorial service held by her statue in Bledsoe-Miller Park.

Miller’s nephew, Thomas Bledsoe, said Miller’s actions were heroic. Miller served as a naval cook during the events of Pearl Harbor. Miller operated an anti-aircraft gun and rescued his crew. African-American servicemen were not trained to use anti-aircraft weapons at the time.

Bledsoe said Miller’s ability to overcome racial barriers should serve as an inspiration.

“It’s also impactful to show that Doris Miller’s story means so much to so many different people and what she shows in terms of opening the doors of the barriers that exist,” Bledsoe said.

Culture Arts of Waco donated wreaths left by Miller’s statue in Bledsoe-Miller Park. The organisation’s president, Doreen Ravenscroft, said she hoped they would inspire others to honor the service of members of the military.

“For people who have joined the military or first responders, I think it’s important for them to see that people are remembering and honoring their service,” Ravenscroft said.

Miller’s family is working to have him awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Bledsoe said the family has contacted President Biden and will contact President-elect Trump.

“We’ve moved past that now and I think it’s really important that we get him the recognition he deserves and so we’re going to continue to push for that because society has changed to be able to recognize the significance of his impact.” Bledsoe said.

On Friday, the Doris Miller VA Medical Center received Medal of Valor from the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame.