Doris Miller Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would honor Doris “Dorie” Miller, a Black Navy sailor from World War II, with a Congressional Gold Medal after his death. It recognizes his bravery at Pearl Harbor, where he helped move the wounded to safety and fired a.50-caliber gun without training to defend his ship. He later received the Navy Cross and died in action in 1943.

After the medal is awarded, it would go to the Smithsonian for display and research, with the goal of sharing it at places connected to Miller’s life. The U.S. Mint could make and sell bronze copies, and the money from those sales would go back into the Mint’s fund to help cover costs.

• Who is affected: The public and museums that will display the medal, and collectors who may buy bronze copies.
• What changes: Congress awards Miller a top national honor; the Smithsonian will hold the medal; the Mint may sell bronze duplicates to support the program.
• When: After the bill becomes law and the medal is awarded, the Smithsonian display would follow.