Ep. 79: Dorie Miller–A Texas War Hero

Ep. 79: Dorie Miller–A Texas War Hero

Author: Ken Wise February 16, 2020 Duration: 15:17

On December 7, 1941, Mess Attendant Doris “Dorie” Miller was doing laundry, one of the few jobs available to African American sailors in the U.S. Navy at the time.  When his ship came under attack, Miller rushed to help his fellow sailors.  Though not trained, and not allowed, he manned an anti-aircraft gun and engaged the attacking Japanese planes.  For his bravery and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross.  But his heroism affected not only the Navy, but the entire military.  Recently, the U.S. Navy announced yet another tribute to Dorie Miller, a Texas war hero.  Learn more about this brave Texan in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.  


There’s a particular feeling you get standing on a wide stretch of prairie or walking through a quiet courthouse square that seems to hold a century of stories. Wise About Texas is about uncovering those stories, layer by layer, with the kind of depth and context that makes the past feel immediate. Hosted by Ken Wise, each episode goes beyond the well-trodden tales of the Alamo and cowboy legends to explore the people, places, and pivotal moments that truly shaped this unique state. You’ll hear about forgotten communities, surprising cultural intersections, and the everyday lives that built Texas from the ground up. This isn’t just a dry recitation of dates; it’s a thoughtful exploration that connects history to the landscape you can visit today. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious newcomer, or someone planning a trip with a desire to understand what you’re seeing, this podcast serves as an engaging guide. Tune in for narratives that are meticulously researched yet told with a conversational ease, making each chapter of Texas history accessible and genuinely compelling. The aim is to leave you not just better informed, but with a richer sense of the spirit and complexity that defines the Lone Star State.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 163

Wise About Texas
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 17: A Duel for Command of the Texas Army, 1837 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
Two generals decided to fight a duel to decide who would command the Texas Army. Find out what happened and whether a wound suffered in the duel eventually affected the outcome of the Civil War! Gen. Albert Sidney Johnst…
Ep. 16: Texans You Should Know:  Gen. Thomas Jefferson Chambers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:41
In the first episode of a periodic series on Texans you should know, learn about the interesting, active and controversial life of General Thomas Jefferson Chambers. Lawyer, surveyor, judge, land baron. Chambers had an e…
Ep. 15:  The Crash at Crush! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:27
Crush, Texas was the second largest city in Texas for a few hours in September, 1896. Learn about a Texas-sized publicity stunt that was the biggest and, unfortunately the deadliest in Texas history. It was a train wreck…
Bonus Episode:  The Battle of San Jacinto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:46
Review the battle of San Jacinto. 18 minutes that changed the world. View of the battleground. The Texians advanced from upper left to lower right. Diagram of the battle Santa Anna Surrenders
Ep. 14:  The Road to San Jacinto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:54
After the fall of the Alamo and the massacre at Goliad, times in Texas were uncertain at best. General Sam Houston took the army on a retreat to the east. In this episode learn how the Texian army made it to San Jacinto…
Ep. 13: The Goliad Massacre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:31
One of the darkest events in Texas history was the massacre of the Texians at Goliad. Learn stories of deceit, escape and even kindness in the midst of sorrow in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
Ep. 12:  The Alamo Survivors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:05
180 years ago, every Alamo defender lost his life. But not everyone who was in the Alamo died. Learn some stories of the folks who survived the battle and a little about the effect of the defeat on the government of the…
Bonus Episode:  Dawn at the Alamo, March 6, 1836 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
180 years ago today, March 6, 1836 the final assault on the Alamo began. Wise About Texas pays tribute to the fallen in this bonus episode.
Episode 11: The Siege of the Alamo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:25
180 years ago, the Mexican army surrounded the Alamo. For 13 days, the defenders worked on the fortifications, sheltered some townspeople, entreated their fledgling government for food and supplies, and plead for reinfor…
Ep. 10:  The Road to the Alamo–February, 1836 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:05
Texas was in a state of confusion in February, 1836 and Santa Anna was on the march to quash the rebellion. The government was split and the military command was in disarray. But time was running out. Learn how things st…