The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier based fighter aircraft. On 11 June 1944, in the area of the Mariana Islands, while engaged in leading a combat air patrol he sighted, on three separate occasions, enemy scout planes and by his prompt direction of and skillful assistance in their destruction prevented the transmission of valuable information to the enemy, thereby preserving the security of our forces operating in that area. In one instance he intercepted an enemy bomber as it was attacking a friendly destroyer, and in the face of anti-aircraft fire from the destroyer, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he pressed home an attack upon the enemy plane and effected its immediate destruction. On 12 June, he led a nine-plane fighter sweep, and, when opposed by a superior number of enemy planes, his leadership and aggressiveness were of such a high caliber as to enable his flights to destroy eleven enemy aircraft, of which he personally accounted for two. His leadership, judgment and devotion to duty in all combat actions were exemplary and inspired the confidence of those who served under him. His courage, skill and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 27 July to 7 September 1944. Lieutenant Commander Harris completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 22 to 29 April 1944. Lieutenant Commander Harris completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 24 June 1944 in the area of the Bonin Islands he led his Division in the interception of and attack upon a group of enemy planes approaching our forces. By his alertness and skill he thwarted their attack and succeeded in personally destroying two enemy torpedo bombers. His conduct throughout the action evidenced unusual leadership, resourcefulness and courage and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.