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Juliana Hernandez

22 January 2015
Defining A Hero
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all
others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. -Arthur Ashe (Jul
10,1943-Feb 06,1993)
People, including K-9s, who served in WWII are major heroes, even those who did small
duties, but heroes can also be just ordinary individuals that finds the strength to persevere and
endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Not all heroes wear capes or fight military battles to
save the country, heroes can also do small duties that show greatness in everyday life. Just as the
quote above says, everyday heroes are possible as in a family member, a friend, a neighbor, etc,
can all be taken as someones everyday hero. A hero is someone who is helpful, caring, and
brave, a hero shouldnt do duties for egoistic reasons.
Most heroes can come unexpected or unplanned for, specifically like Dorris Miller
known as Dorrie, a Messman Third Class in the United States Navy. On December 7, 1941,
Doris Miller arisen at 6 a.m. to begin collecting laundry on deck. When the Japanese attack
happened, Miller immediately reported to his assigned battle station. Due to Millers physical
size and strength, his job was to carry any injured to safer parts, this included a wounded ships

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captain. Miller then returned to deck and saw that the Japanese planes were still dive-bombing
the U.S. Naval Fleet. Because the Navy was segregated, African-Americans were not given
combat roles or weaponry training, so Millers adept ability to shooting down enemy planes was
all the more phenomenal. I find that my hero, and many other heroes, can relate in the situation
that Miller was going through in that moment of attack, he had shown bravery in such an
overwhelming moment in history . Ive had a handful of devastating situations, that I couldnt
bear to go through, yet my hero leaves me flabbergasted by his bravery in all of the situations. To
build upon this idea, the greatness in my hero and Millers heroism of overcoming moments
shows how amazing any hero can come unexpected. On May 27, 1942 Miller was the first
African-American to receive the Navy Cross for his extraordinary courage in battle, also his rank
was raised to Mess Attendant First Class the following month. Millers intrepidity showed major
significance in African-American history during WWII. Furthermore, I have found support in my
heros bravery for my greatest struggles.
Heroes can be seen as helpful from an individual, or a group, namely as the Navajo Code
Talkers. In February 1942, Philip Johnston approached Major James E. Jones with a plan to use
the Navajo language for battlefield radio transmission. Just as a group can be valuable for their
understanding of a unique language that was very helpful during WWII, additionally shows how
important heroes characteristics can be helpful in many occasions, for example myself and my
hero are able to speak more than one language and there would be times a confused person who

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doesnt speak english would ask for either one of our assistances. The Navajo Code Talkers
selected words that held direct association with nature or with their common reservation life, the

use of the Navajo language seemed safe from enemy understanding. They helped to save many
lives in combat by preventing the enemy to understand the unbreakable code they used in WWII.
In my logic of a hero, is that being helpful doesnt necessarily mean to do something beyond the
normal, it can also be a small act of nobility.
In addition on the topic of heroes, my ideas of a hero would always lead back to the
characteristics my father holds. At a young age, Ive notice the dignity and caring personality my
father has, it always astounds me how such traits can go so far, and it helps me create different
interpretations of what a hero is. My father is my hero, for its not necessarily doing any physical
favors or being materialistic, moreover for his wise ideas and his caring nature. I have had people
dear to me, drill gruesome ideas/comments about myself into my mind that has caused damaged
in my self-esteem and the person I wanted to be. Even though most heroes are appreciated of any
physical action that is seen heroic, my father is acknowledge by me for all the emotional and
mental struggle he helped me overcome. The respect I hold for my father as my hero will live on
appreciated for he always tries to help me still have to overcome my biggest struggle, which is to
aim and let the best thoughts of myself overpower the worse.

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Cites:
Kelly, Kate. "Dorie Miller (1919-1943), Hero of World War II - America Comes Alive." America
Comes Alive. Kate Kelly, 20 Feb. 2012. Web. 27 Jan. 2015.

S, B. H. "Doris Miller Biography at Black History Now." Black Heritage Commemorative

Society Doris Miller Comments. BHS, 22 May 2011. Web. 27 Jan. 2015.