Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Harry
Heasley
Dinsmore
, Sr.
March 7, 1924

–

April 7, 2003

Cemetery:

Circle Hill Cemetery

Harry Dinsmore completed his pre-medical requirements at West Virginia University and graduated from Georgetown Medical School, Washington D.C., in 1948. He did his internship at Bethesda Naval Hospital and his surgical training at the Naval Hospital, Philadelphia.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain (MC)

    Division:

    DaNang

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1966
    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain (MC) Harry Heasley Dinsmore, Sr. (NSN: 0-513578), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 1 October 1966 while serving as Chief of Surgery at U. S. Naval Support Activity, DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. With full knowledge of the serious hazards involved and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Dinsmore volunteered to perform a surgical operation to remove a live 60-mm. mortar shell from the chest wall of Private First Class Nguyen Luong, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The impact fuse of the mortar shell was partially activated and could easily have detonated at any time during the operation, resulting in certain death to Captain Dinsmore and his patient. Exhibiting outstanding professional skill and calmness, Captain Dinsmore took command of the situation and successfully removed the shell. By his heroic conduct and fearless devotion to duty, Captain Dinsmore saved the life of the patient and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.