And then Dorie Miller, one of the first American heroes of World War II, went back to collecting laundry. He was still just a mess attendant. It was the only position open to black men in the United States Navy.
-- Steve Sheinkin (First Hero)

Importance: Dorie Miller presents a tragic case for black service early in World War II, on the day America is thrust into the global conflict when the Japanese launch a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Blacks may not serve in combat positions, but Miller helps fight the Japanese while rescuing wounded men. His actions earn him the Navy Cross, the highest honor in the Navy, and make him the first recipient of such an award in the Pacific Fleet. But because of Navy policy, Miller must go back to doing laundry.

True, there was an obvious contradiction in a nation fighting for freedom while denying it to its own citizens in...
-- Steve Sheinkin (The Policy)