If anyone wanted the best example of the proverbial "melting pot," they need look no further than the U.S. military. Without question, it represents the most diverse cross section of people. Today's armed forces are comprised of men, women, whites, blacks, Asians, American Indians, Eskimos and most any religion you can conjure.

A quick glance at history suggests it didn't always used to be. The Civil War was predominantly a "white man's" conflict. However, as it progressed, black soldiers and regiments were recruited and proved indispensable in the Union's victory.

The racial mix became slightly more diverse in World War I, but it wasn't until World War II that the melting pot really started to boil. Even though the Japanese had declared war on the U.S., large numbers of Japanese-Americans served effectively in the European theatre. Navajo Indians proved invaluable in the Pacific by using their native language as code. The Japanese were never able to break the code, resulting in multiple victories.

African-Americans assumed a much larger role in World War II, but they were still relegated to second-class treatment. The all-black Tuskegee Airmen fought two wars — one against the enemy and the other against racism and bigotry. Even so, the squadron went on to win countless air battles as pilots, bombardiers and navigators.

Each branch of the military had their own rules as to what blacks could or couldn't do. In the Navy, most were relegated to maintenance. Blacks were even excluded from manning most weapons.

All that changed by necessity for one sailor on Dec. 7, 1941. That morning, as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, a black mess attendant by the name of Doris Miller (pronounced "Dorie") was on the battleship West Virginia. As bombs and seven torpedoes hit the ship, Miller rescued many fellow sailors from the burning wreckage. He also went to the bridge to help the ship's mortally wounded captain.

Though never trained in its operation, he then manned a 50-caliber machine gun and began firing at the countless attacking Japanese aircrafts. Finally, as the West Virginia erupted in flames and began to sink, he was ordered to abandon ship.

Miller's heroic actions that day resulted in his being promoted to Officer's Cook Third Class — then a notable advancement. That paled in comparison to what came next. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the highest honor in the Navy.

Less than two years later, while serving aboard the escort carrier Liscome Bay, Miller and his 600 shipmates lost their lives after a Japanese torpedo slammed into the ship's hull during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. Miller's body was never recovered, but moviegoers were reminded of his service in 2001 when actor Cuba Gooding Jr. portrayed him in the film "Pearl Harbor."

This month, Miller is getting another honor with his image enshrined on a new 44-cent postage stamp. Three other sailors also appearing on the sheet of stamps — William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke and John McCloy — underscore Miller's prominence in military history.

Sims was commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe during World War I, and he was an outspoken reformer who helped shape the Navy into a modern fighting force. He also is credited for creating the convoy system that saved countless lives in both World War I and World War II. Burke was one of the top destroyer squadron commanders of World War II, recognized for sinking or helping to sink nine enemy destroyers and downing 30 airplanes in just four months. He later served as the Navy's highest ranking officer — chief of naval operations.

Finally, McCloy was known as a sailor that couldn't be stopped. He's one of a handful of soldiers to earn two Medals of Honor. In 1919, he, too, was awarded the Navy Cross as commander of USS Curlew, which swept mines in the North Sea in the aftermath of World War I.

All images on the four stamps are based on photographs of the individuals taken during their times of service. Special first-day-of-issue cancels on the stamps are now available for a limited time for service members, military historians, armchair sailors or collectors of any kind.

To receive one, purchase one or more stamps at a local post office, affix them to a self-addressed envelope and send that inside of a separate mailing envelope to: Distinguished Sailors Stamps, Special Cancellations, P.O. Box 92282, Washington, D.C., 20090-2282.

All canceled envelopes will be returned through regular mail. There's no charge for the cancels, but orders MUST be postmarked no later than April 6, 2010.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the Doris Miller sailor stamp has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.