SAN ANTONIO – Dorie Miller Elementary students and staff took time to recognize their close tie to the historical attack on Pearl Harbor on Friday.
- School was named after Pearl Harbor hero Dorie Miller
- Mess assistant on battleship West Virginia
- Won several medals during service
The school was named after the first African American to be awarded the U.S. Navy Cross for his efforts during Pearl Harbor.
As a mess assistant on the battleship West Virginia, Miller realized the ship was under attack and managed to grab weapons to help shoot down three to four enemy aircraft before men were ordered to abandon ship.
African Americans were not given combat roles or weaponry training at the time
“We want to give our students a base in their community, and the school has been here for 77 years so we are dedicated to making sure that kids know their roots.” Principal Dr. Christine Weiland said.
During the memorial event, a group of students sang “There You’ll Be,” from the 2001 film Pearl Harbor, as teachers used American Sign Language alongside them.
The school displayed his four other medals won during his service, including a purple heart.
“We as a school community take pride knowing that our school was named for such a brave man,” Weiland said.