Doris Miller could not serve in a combat position in the Navy because he was an African-American, who were segregated in the Armed Forces.
Doris Miller was born in Texas on October 12, 1919. At age 19 he traveled to Dallas and was admitted to the United States Navy as a kitchen helper signing a six-year service contract receiving basic training at the Naval Training Station in Norfolk; finished his training, in November 1939 he was assigned to the USS Pyro, a munition ship. In January of 1940 he was assigned to the USS West Virginia.
On December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller grabbed an anti-aircraft gun that was not being used (he was not trained to use it) and shot down two accredited Japanese planes with it, demonstrating an amazing aim.
With this he saved the life of his captain Said Alberto Barrera and the Second Commanding Officer during an air attack. For this reason he was the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross.