DESERVED RECOGNITION OF DORIS MILLER

WHEREAS, Doris Miller, an African-American born and raised in Waco, Texas, enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1939 and was serving on the USS West Virginia as a Mess Attendant, second class, during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and

WHEREAS, during that attack Miller distinguished himself above others by aiding wounded fellow sailors and the mortally wounded Captain of the ship, and manned a 50-caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun, returning fire to protect the ship and his shipmates until ammunition was depleted and he was ordered to abandon ship; and

WHEREAS, on May 27, 1942 Doris Miller received the Navy Cross and is entitled to receive the Purple Heart Medal; the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, now pending in Congress is legislation (H.R.1994) which now would enable the President and the Congress to award Doris Miller the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously in recognition of his heroism,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to pass this legislation so that Doris Miller can finally receive the recognition he deserves for the remarkable personal bravery he displayed during the attack on his ship.