DETAILS: Original World War II civil rights pinback button issued to promote the bravery of Dorie Miller during the Battle of Pearl Harbor. Whitehead & Hoag, Newark, NJ. Circa 1943. Has image of Miller on front along with caption "The Hero Of Pearl Harbor". Measures 1 1/4" inches.
BACKGROUND: Dorrie Miller (1919-1943) was a naval ship's cook 3rd Class on the U.S.S. West Virginia at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He moved his wounded commander to safety and then took over a machine gun to down several Japanese aircraft. Miller received the Navy Cross for his bravery from Admiral Chester Nimitz in 1942, but many sailors and naval officers believed that Miller's heroism deserved a Medal of Honor but that his race prevented such a recognition. However, Miller was nominated for a Medal of Honor by a Senator from New York, and the Black press enthusiastically campaigned for Miller to receive this decoration. This button by Whitehead & Hoag was intended to further the cause. Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, however, opposed Black sailors serving the United States in any combat role, recommended against Miller receiving the Medal of Honor. No Black sailor, soldier, or Marine was awarded the Medal of Honor between 1941 and 1945.
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BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS
Circa 1950-1970