Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Archibald Allan Harrington (ASN: 0-885992), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a Mosquito Night Fighter while attached to the 410th Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, over the Ruhr area on 25 November 1944. On this night, Lieutenant Harrington made contact with a German night fighter and scored direct hits causing the enemy plane to explode in mid-air and sending back debris which damaged his own plane. Regaining altitude, he made contact with a second enemy aircraft and shot it out of the air. Climbing again, he found two enemy fighters, and pressed home his attack against one of them despite the fact that the other enemy plane headed straight toward him. Narrowly avoiding a collision, Lieutenant Harrington sent a third enemy aircraft crashing to the ground. In pressing home these attacks against an enemy force of approximately 30 night fighters, Lieutenant Harrington displayed extraordinary heroism, skill, and devotion to duty which reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    410th Squadron

    Division:

    Royal Canadian Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    June 1943 – 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 61 (November 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Archibald Allan Harrington (ASN: 0-885992), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 1943 to 1944. Lieutenant Harrington operated with No. 410 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force since June 1943, and has participated in a large number of operational sorties. Undeterred by enemy opposition he has consistently pressed home his attacks with the utmost skill and determination. In air combats this officer has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft. On one occasion his aircraft was holed in many places and the petrol supply was nearly exhausted. Despite this Lieutenant Harrington succeeded in returning to base safely. Throughout his operational career Lieutenant Harrington has shown skill and courage of a high standard.