Milford Museum to Highlight African American WWII Hero in Upcoming History Program

The Milford Museum will host the program “Dorie Miller: Hero of Pearl Harbor” on Saturday, November 8. (Photo courtesy of Milford Museum.)

MILFORD — The Milford Museum’s American History Series will continue next month with a presentation on one of the lesser-known heroes of World War II. On Saturday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m., the Museum will host the program “Dorie Miller: Hero of Pearl Harbor” at the Milford Public Library, located at 11 S.E. Front Street.

Honoring a Pearl Harbor Hero

The lecture, presented by educator and author Dante Brizill, will spotlight Doris “Dorie” Miller, a Navy mess attendant who played a pivotal role during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Despite not having formal gunnery training, Miller is credited with helping move his wounded captain to safety before manning a machine gun and firing at Japanese planes. For his actions, he became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross.

Miller’s heroism, widely reported in the Black press, made him a symbol of courage and an early figure in the fight for civil rights within the military. He was later killed in action in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was sunk by a Japanese torpedo.

About the Presenter: Dante Brizill

Brizill, who currently teaches at Polytech High School, has spent nearly two decades as a social studies educator in Maryland and Delaware. A Philadelphia native, he holds a B.A. in History from Hampton University and a Master’s in Education from Wesley College.

In addition to his teaching career, Brizill is a published author. His book series, Greatness Under Fire, highlights the often-overlooked contributions of African American service members during World War II. His articles have appeared in newspapers and national publications across the country.

Brizill is is a published author whose Greatness Under Fire series honors African American WWII service members. (Photo courtesy of Milford Museum.)

Brizill is a published author whose Greatness Under Fire series honors African American WWII service members. (Photo courtesy of Milford Museum.)

Monthly History Programs Open to the Public

The Milford Museum’s monthly American History Series features a wide range of topics spanning local, state, and national history. These programs are held on the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Milford Public Library and are free to the public, thanks to support from the Delaware Heritage Commission.