Today the Postal Service honors four heroes of the U.S. Navy at a dedication ceremony for the Distinguished Sailors collectible stamps at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington DC.The First-Class Mail stamps commemorate four members of the Navy who served with bravery and distinction during the 20th Century.
William Sims (1858-1936) was a commander of U.S. naval forces in European waters during World War I and an outspoken reformer and innovator who helped reshape the Navy into a modern fighting force.
Arleigh Burke (1901-1996) served an unprecedented three terms as Chief of Naval Operations, the Navy’s highest-ranking officer. He oversaw development of nuclear-powered submarines and initiated the Polaris Ballistic Missile Program.
John McCloy (1876-1945) won two Medals of Honor. The first was for a rescue mission during the Boxer Rebellion in which he was wounded. McCloy earned his second Medal of Honor during the 1914 Mexican Revolt for intentionally exposing his boat to draw enemy fire to identify their positions for retaliation by U.S. cruiser gunfire.
Doris Miller (1919-1943) was the first black American hero of World War II. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller helped rescue scores of shipmates wounded or trapped in the wreckage. Miller later manned a 50-caliber machine gun, firing on Japanese aircraft, until ordered to abandon his position.
The stamps are available for sale nationwide starting today.
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