Four sailors “who served with bravery and distinction during the 20th century” will be honored through the issuance of “Distinguished Sailor” stamps by the U.S. Postal Service.

William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John McCloy, and Doris Miller were all sailors who were to be emulated. During their glory days, they each contributed a lot towards shaping the Navy that we know today. The stamps will be unveiled through a First Day of Issue Ceremony at the Naval Memorial in Washington D.C. on February 4, according to a news feature on the Navy website.

So, who exactly are these exemplary sailors? Vice Admiral William S. Sims was the commander of the U.S. Naval Forces who sailed the European seas during the First World War. He is being credited with shaping the Navy “into a modern fighting force”. He passed away in 1936, having led a life dedicated to writing and conducting lectures on naval reform after retiring from the service. Upon his death, the New York Herald Tribune wrote that Sims had “influenced our naval course more than any man who ever wore the uniform.”

Admiral Arleigh A. Burke is also remembered for his contributions towards modernizing the Navy, albeit at a different era; he was one of the top destroyer squadron commanders during the Second World War. He was praised as a “Sailor’s Sailor” upon his death in 1966.

Lt. Cmdr. John McCloy, for his part, is among what we may call as “a few good men”. He has been awarded the Medal of Honor twice for separate acts of heroism, a feat that has been achieved by not too many people.

Petty Officer Doris Miller carries a rather significant title: “the first African American hero of World War II.” It was the events at Pearl Harbor that became this sailor’s shining moment.