Bill Flores: “I also thank the gentlemen from Colorado and South Carolina for their support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in…”

“I also thank the gentlemen from Colorado and South Carolina for their support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 4199, which would name the Waco VA medical center after Petty Officer First Class Doris Miller. Petty Officer Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross. Petty Officer Miller--better known by his nickname ``Dorie''--of Waco, Texas, bravely served in the United States Navy from 1939 to 1943 and was most renowned for his heroic acts during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. On that day, Miller was serving as a mess attendant on the battleship West Virginia when the attack started. During the attack and under heavy enemy fire, Miller bravely rose above and beyond the call of duty by aiding mortally wounded Captain Mervyn Bennion and then manning a .50-caliber antiaircraft machine gun. He returned fire upon the enemy until he was out of ammunition, reportedly shooting down one to three enemy planes. In the final moments before the USS West Virginia sank, Miller continued his heroism by carrying many of his wounded shipmates to safety and saving the lives of several sailors in the process. The story of Petty Officer Miller's bravery is a testament to his outstanding courage and commitment to serving his country. In May of 1942, in recognition of his heroism at Pearl Harbor, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and Fleet Admiral Chester W.…”