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
Wise About Texas Episode 001- The First Judges of Texas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:52
This episode introduces two of the first judges of Texas–Josiah Hughes Bell and Benjamin Cromwell Franklin. Download this episode to hear stories of Austin’s Colony and how the provisional Texas government learned of the…
Wise About Texas Episode 000 Introduction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Welcome to Wise About Texas, the podcast about Texas history and culture. This introductory episode tells you about the show, the host, and the goals of this podcast. Subscribe to the show and enrich your knowledge of th…