|
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 124th Infantry,
31st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine
Islands, 5 June 1945. Entered service at: East Freedom, Pa. Birth: Pine
Croft, Pa. G.O. No.: 28, 28 March 1946. Citation: He displayed conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed
in on his machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, 1 of which exploded
under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding 2 of the crew. While
the remaining gunners were desperately attempting to repair their weapon
another grenade landed squarely in the emplacement. Quickly realizing he
could not safely throw the unexploded missile from the crowded position,
Cpl. Harr unhesitatingly covered it with his body to smother the blast.
His supremely courageous act, which cost him his life, saved 4 of his comrades
and enabled them to continue their mission.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
| | |