The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. ST. LOUIS (CL-49), when that vessel was struck by an enemy Japanese plane during a relentless air attack in the vicinity of Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 27 November 9144. Proceeding immediately to the damaged area to direct operations, Captain Briggs created order out of chaos and, by his forceful leadership and unflagging devotion to duty, heroically managed to control and reduce the extensive damage sustained. His inspiring courage and perseverance in the face of grave danger were essential factors in enabling the ST. LOUIS to continue successfully in action against the enemy, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Division:
U.S.S. St. Louis (CL-49)Action Date:
March 21, 1944 – May 28, 1945
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0188 (January 19, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. ST. LOUIS (CL-49), in connection with operations against enemy Japanese forces in the campaigns in the Southeastern Pacific Area the Marianas and Philippine Islands, in the air strikes on Kyushu and Okinawa, and in the invasion and occupation of Okinawa from 21 March 1944 to 28 May 1945. Maintaining a high standard of fighting efficiency of his ship, Captain Briggs made possible an outstanding record of destruction upon the enemy. By his thorough training of personnel in the combat information center, he was directly responsible for the shooting down of four hostile suicide planes at Leyte. His skilled leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Briggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 417 (June 9, 1961)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from October 1958 to June 1961, as Director, Pan American Affairs, Naval Missions, and Advisory Groups Division, of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Displaying a unique diplomatic ability and a capacity for understanding the problems faced by Latin American contemporaries, Rear Admiral Briggs has won their unreserved confidence and their support for a series of inter-service conferences of branch chiefs. Aware of the need for cooperation and standardization of operating procedures, he initiated and promoted the Inter-American Naval Conferences and Operation UNITAS, the annual anti-submarine warfare exercise with South American Navies. Through his genius for leadership, he ensured the success of the 1959 and 1960 naval conferences. In the interest of coordination and cooperation, Rear Admiral Briggs energetically promoted the establishment of a communications network among the Chiefs of the American Navies. He has been the Senior U.S. Navy Delegate to the United States Delegation to the Inter-American Defense Board and Senior U.S. Navy Member of several Joint Boards and Commissions, making a marked contribution toward ensuring the smooth, efficient operation of these groups. His outstanding professional skill, diplomacy, and zealous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 7485 (June 17, 1952)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Intelligence for Commander Naval Forces, Far East, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 31 May 1951 to 4 June 1952. A capable and inspiring executive, Captain Briggs was eminently successful in discharging his many responsibilities throughout this period and contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of the mission of Naval Forces Far East. Exercising a thorough understanding of existing problems, he labored untiringly in his efforts to assist and advise all members of the staff and displayed exceptional skill and resourcefulness in accomplishing his various and complex tasks. His outstanding professional ability, sound judgment and zealous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Briggs and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 3031 (June 17, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States as Fleet Gunnery and Training Officer on the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, during operations against enemy forces from July to September 1945. Responsible for the training program of ship’s crews of the Atlantic Fleet as well as the crews of vessels scheduled for redeployment to other theaters of operation, Captain Briggs rendered invaluable service in improving gunnery techniques and in incorporating these new methods in combat units, thereby contributing to the effectiveness of the Atlantic Fleet’s operation against the enemy. His skill and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Action Date:
October 1940 – February 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States as Subsection Chief and subsequently as Assistant Director of the Production Division, Bureau of Ordnance, from October 1940 to February 1944. Faced by surmounting difficulties in the selection of contractors with production and engineering ability to handle the need for the rapid facilities expansion required by the Navy in the early days of the war, Captain Briggs displayed exceptional foresight and professional ability in the administration and execution of a brilliant plan which contributed immeasurably to the building of the great producing organization established by the Bureau of Ordnance to supply vital equipment for the forces afloat. Captain Briggs’ skillful direction, sound judgment and devotion to the varied and complex responsibilities of his assignments were essential factors in the successful prosecution of the war.
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Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal (Army Award) to Captain Harold Melvin Briggs (NSN: 0-61082), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Naval Chief of Staff and Secretary of the United Nations Command Delegation,, United Nations Command (Advance), in Korea, from 9 July 1951 to 8 May 1952. Captain Briggs’ sound judgment and comprehensive grasp of the complex problems encountered were of material assistance in establishing policies and procedures for conducting armistice conferences with envoys of the Communist armies of China and North Korea. He skillfully analyzed the capabilities, proposals and intentions of the opposing delegation and aided in developing expedients to counter enemy misrepresentations and evasions with reasoned negotiation and demonstrable truth. As advisor to the Chief Delegate, he proffered wise counsel and timely recommendations on matters of major decision, policy and planning. Captain Briggs’ exemplary contributions furthered the United Nations’ first armed campaign against over aggression, reflecting credit upon himself and the military service.