(MILITARY) Naval Hero Dorie Miller signing autographs

Sale 2137 - Lot 282

Price Realized: $ 2,640

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500

PEARL HARBOR HERO (MILITARY.) Naval Hero Dorie Miller signing autographs. Sepia-toned silver print, 7 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches. [E. F. Joseph Studios: Oakland, circa 1941]

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Dorie (Doris) Miller (1919-1943) was a cook on the ship "West Virginia" the day the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor. Hearing the sirens, Miller went to his station, but found it had been struck. He began to carry the wounded to safety, and was then ordered to evacuate the mortally wounded captain from the bridge. He did so, then returned and took up a position firing a 50 caliber machine gun at the Japanese planes until his ammunition gave out. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery. Admiral Nimitz said of Miller: "This is the first time that such a high tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a member of his race, and I'm sure that the future will see others similarly honored for brave acts." In one of the sad ironies of war, Miller was transferred to the Liscombe which was torpedoed and went down with all hands in 1943. This photo was taken by E. F. Joseph, an African-American photographer based in Oakland, California.