H.R. 2335In committeeSecurity & foreign affairs
Bill seeks Medal of Honor for Black Pearl Harbor hero passed over in 1941
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 2335 would authorize the Medal of Honor for Navy sailor Doris Miller, whose 1941 bravery at Pearl Harbor was never fully recognized due to racial barriers.55-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 2335 asks Congress to approve the President awarding the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller, a Black Navy sailor who acted heroically during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Miller helped carry his mortally wounded captain to safety and fired a machine gun at enemy aircraft despite having no formal training on the weapon. Because Miller died in 1943 and decades have passed, a special law is required to bypass standard time limits on medal awards.
Who does it affect?
Miller's surviving family members and descendants would receive the Medal of Honor on his behalf. The bill also affects how the U.S. military officially records and honors Miller's service.
Why does it matter?
The bill notes that 15 other sailors received the Medal of Honor for similar actions at Pearl Harbor, none of whom were African American, and argues that racial barriers of the era prevented Miller from receiving full recognition at the time. Awarding the medal now would change the official military record to reflect that corrected recognition.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II.
- Introduced:
- March 25, 2025
- Latest action:
- March 25, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
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