Students in Peekskill are petitioning on behalf of Doris "Dorie" Miller – an African-American Navy sailor who was at the naval base in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by Japan.

Former Rep. Joe DioGuardi says he started looking into former service members who would have been ideal candidates for the Medal of Honor when he was a congressman. He says the medals were withheld because of race.

He says not a single black American received a Medal of Honor during World War I and World War II.

On the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, members of the Peekskill High School Black Diamonds held an event in Miller's honor. The students called on the community to help petition on Miller's behalf.

The group is working to secure enough signatures and compile enough evidence to present to the Navy in Miller's defense. They hope he will be granted the Medal of Honor next year.