How a 19-Year-Old Cook… Shot Down 3 Kamikaze Planes
The Heroism of Doris Miller: A Cook Who Became a Gunner
Introduction
On April 16, 1945, the USS Laffy found itself in a desperate situation off the coast of Okinawa. As a mess attendant, Second Class Doris Miller was not trained for combat, yet he would soon find himself in a position to save his ship. This is the remarkable story of how a young cook transformed into a hero during one of the most intense moments of World War II.
The Calm Before the Storm
At 3:47 p.m., Miller stood in the galley of the USS Laffy, watching through a porthole as 22 Japanese aircraft dove toward his ship. Just hours earlier, three destroyers in the radar picket line had already fallen victim to kamikaze attacks, resulting in 17 dead sailors. With the ship’s bow 40 mm gun crews decimated—six gunners dead and four wounded—Miller felt an instinctive urge to act despite having zero training on anti-aircraft weapons.
Standard Navy protocol dictated that cooks stay at their duty stations during battle, but Miller’s common sense told him otherwise. He grabbed a steel ladle and ran toward the gun deck, knowing that survival didn’t wait for permission or training.
A Young Man’s Journey
Doris Miller was born on October 12, 1925, in Waco, Texas. Growing up as the son of sharecroppers, he learned the value of hard work early on, toiling in cotton fields alongside his father. By the time he graduated high school in 1942, the war had already begun. Eager to serve, Miller enlisted in the Navy, but the recruiter informed him that African American sailors were typically assigned to the steward’s branch, where they cooked and cleaned for officers.
Despite his desire to fight, Miller accepted this fate and completed boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, where he learned military procedures but received no weapons training. He qualified as a mess attendant and was assigned to the USS Laffy, a destroyer that had already seen significant action in the Pacific.
The Attack Begins
On April 16, 1945, the USS Laffy was stationed as a radar picket ship, a role that was particularly dangerous as it acted as an early warning system for incoming Japanese air attacks. The crew was aware of the risks; in the previous two weeks, several radar picket destroyers had been attacked, resulting in heavy casualties.
The first wave of attacks began at 8:27 a.m. with four Japanese dive bombers, all of which were shot down. However, the crew’s relief was short-lived as radar soon indicated more contacts approaching. At 8:42 a.m., nine Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters armed with bombs attacked from multiple angles, resulting in catastrophic damage to the Laffy. Two kamikaze planes hit the ship, killing 20 sailors and igniting fires across the decks.
Miller was in the galley when the first kamikaze struck, causing an explosion that threw him against the bulkhead. Plates shattered, and chaos erupted around him. Yet, he remained focused and aware of the situation unfolding on the deck above.
Rising to the Occasion
As the attack continued, three Nakajima B5N torpedo bombers, also modified for kamikaze missions, approached the ship. The aft gun crews had been decimated, and only one 40 mm gun mount was still operational. Miller saw the lone sailor, Fire Controlman Third Class Robert Johnson, struggling to operate the gun by himself.
Recognizing the urgency, Miller made a split-second decision. He ran to the gun deck, where he found Johnson in dire need of assistance. Despite having no formal training, Miller had observed the gun drills for months and knew how to load the ammunition. Johnson shouted for help, and without hesitation, Miller responded affirmatively.
A Team Under Fire
Miller and Johnson quickly formed an improvised gun crew. Johnson operated the gun while Miller loaded ammunition. They worked in sync, with Miller feeding clips to Johnson, who fired the weapon at the incoming aircraft. In a matter of minutes, they shot down multiple enemy planes.
As the attacks intensified, Miller’s instinctive actions proved invaluable. He utilized the manual traverse control to help Johnson aim the gun more effectively, allowing them to shoot down three aircraft in rapid succession. Their teamwork was a testament to the power of human instinct and adaptability in the face of danger.
The Aftermath of the Attack
By the end of the onslaught, the USS Laffy had endured 22 aircraft attacks, successfully shooting down 17, while suffering catastrophic damage. The ship had lost four gun mounts, and 32 sailors were dead with 71 wounded. Yet, thanks to Miller and Johnson, the ship remained afloat and was able to make its way back to safety.
After the battle, Johnson reported Miller’s actions to the gunnery officer, explaining how the mess attendant had operated the gun during the attack. The officer, initially surprised by Miller’s lack of training, recognized the significance of what had transpired. Miller’s quick thinking and bravery had likely saved the ship.
A Shift in Navy Policy
In the wake of the attack, Doris Miller’s actions sparked a discussion within the Navy about training policies. While the official after-action report mentioned Miller’s contributions, it did not recommend him for any decorations. However, the story of a mess attendant effectively operating a gun mount prompted many to question the rigid training regulations that limited who could fight.
By June 1945, the Navy issued new guidance requiring all sailors, regardless of their ratings, to receive basic weapons familiarization. This change acknowledged that combat situations did not adhere to traditional job descriptions and that any sailor could be called upon to defend their ship.
Recognition and Legacy
In July 1945, Miller received a letter of commendation from the captain of the USS Laffy, praising his initiative and courage during the attack. However, he remained humble, often downplaying his actions and attributing his success to luck and observation.
After the war, Miller returned to Texas, where he worked in construction and raised a family, rarely discussing his wartime experiences. It wasn’t until 1991 that his story gained wider recognition when a Navy historian discovered the action report and sought out Miller for an interview.
In 1994, Doris Miller was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism, nearly 59 years after his courageous actions on April 16, 1945. At the ceremony, he emphasized the importance of paying attention and learning from observation, a sentiment that resonated deeply with those present.
Conclusion
Doris Miller passed away on March 3, 2007, but his legacy lives on. His actions on that fateful day not only saved lives but also led to significant changes in Navy training policies, ensuring that all sailors would be better prepared for combat. Today, visitors to the USS Laffy at Patriots Point can see Mount 43, the very gun that Miller operated, a reminder of the heroism that can emerge from unexpected places. Miller’s story exemplifies the courage and resolve of those who serve, proving that heroism often comes from those who refuse to stand aside when their shipmates need help.
