From the San Marcos school district

Miller Junior High celebrated both Veterans’ Day and their school namesake — Dorris Miller– with a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force. As the World War II air plane engines rumbled, Miller seventh grade students cheered and clapped from the stands while the eighth grade students waved red and white paper. The Miller Band played, and student Abby Bowers sang the national anthem. The school’s Dancing Diamonds held a giant American flag for the benefit of the veterans flying the airplanes.

Doris “Dorie” Miller was a Central Texas school boy who grew up to serve in the US Navy. He was serving on the USS West Virginia as the ship’s cook when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Miller is credited with carrying injured fellow sailors to safety, aiding the mortally wounded Captain of the ship, and manning a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun until he ran out of ammunition. Though untrained on the gun Miller down one airplane. He was awarded the Navy Cross. Miller died in 1944 in a Pacific battle, and was entitled to the Purple Heart Medal, and many more. Miller Junior High is named to honor the memory of a brave sailor: Dorie Miller.

RELATED IN THE MERCURY:

• Tanger Outlets contributes to Miller, Goodnight junior highs | May 29, 2008
• Hays CISD Channel: School district schedules Veterans Day activities | November 5, 2008
• Plane with broken landing gear lands safely at city airport | October 31, 2008
• Travis, Miller educators recognized as teachers of the year | May 16, 2008
• Remembrance ceremony set for Sept. 11 | September 8, 2008