American Legion Monroe Post 100 adopts resolution supporting retention of USS Doris Miller name

PRESS RELEASE

Union, West Virginia, 24 August 2026:  Members of American Legion Monroe Post 100, Department of West Virginia, have adopted a resolution urging that the United States Navy retain the name USS Doris Miller for aircraft carrier CVN-81.

The resolution recognizes the extraordinary military service and sacrifice of Doris “Dorie” Miller, an enlisted U.S. Navy sailor who served aboard the battleship USS West Virginia during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

During the attack, Miller assisted wounded shipmates and took action to defend his ship despite having received no formal training in the operation of the anti-aircraft weapon he employed. For his actions, he was awarded the Navy Cross in May 1942, becoming the first African American recipient of this award. Miller subsequently continued his naval service and was killed in action aboard USS Liscome Bay in November 1943.

The United States Navy announced in January 2020 that CVN-81 would be named USS Doris Miller in his honor.

Recent public reports indicate that officials are considering whether CVN-81 should retain that name and that other names, including that of a sitting President of the United States, may be under consideration. The Navy has not publicly announced that the ship’s name has changed, but it has ceased referring to CVN-81 by its name and has not denied reports of the name change.

“Our Post believes that Doris Miller’s name belongs on CVN-81 because he earned that honor through courage, service and sacrifice,” said Post Commander Scott Womack. “This is not a partisan issue. It is about honoring an American sailor who demonstrated extraordinary courage under fire and gave his life in service to his country. We want to be on record early in the process rather than reacting to the change if it is made.”

Miller’s service aboard USS West Virginia gives the citizens and veterans of West Virginia a particularly strong connection to his legacy. Although the ship was sunk at Pearl Harbor, it was refloated and repaired in time to participate in the campaigns of 1944-1945 in the Pacific. The USS West Virginia had the honor of leading the naval squadron into Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender ending World War II.  Like its namesake, the resilient citizens of West Virginia persist in the face of hardship and trial. 

The resolution will be submitted through the Department of West Virginia of The American Legion for consideration under the American Legion’s established resolution process. If approved at the Department level, the resolution may be advanced for consideration at the national level.

American Legion Monroe Post 100 is not asserting that The American Legion Department of West Virginia or The American Legion nationally has adopted this position. This resolution represents the position of American Legion Monroe Post 100 alone and is being submitted for consideration through the American Legion’s established resolution process.

A copy of the adopted resolution is available from American Legion Monroe Post 100 via its Commander, Scott Womack, 304-992-4405, email womackse@gmail.com, or via Messenger. 

The American Legion is nonpartisan and open to veterans of any branch of service and era regardless of combat status, including those currently serving.  It supports veterans and their families, patriotism, and youth education.  Come join us and continue to serve God and Country.