Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Edward
Hendree
Harrison
August 4, 1913

–

November 7, 1996

Edward Harrison was born in Florida, but moved to Ohio where he graduated from Hamilton High School in 1929. He entered The University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, and was ordained an Episcopalian minister. He was pastoring Grace Church in Gainesville, Georgia, when he enlisted for service in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was commissioned as a chaplain with the 94th Infantry Division, serving in the European Theater of Operations in 1944 and 1945. While in Paris, France, Harrison met Laura Boellaard, a native of Pensacola, Florida, who was working in France for a Dutch law firm, and the two were married at the American Cathedral in Paris on June 6, 1945. In 1946 they returned to Florida where Reverend Harrison served as Rector of Saint PaulÕs-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. His ministry took him to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Jackson, Mississippi, and Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, where he returned in 1974 to serve Christ Church there.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    302d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    94th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 20, 1944 – February 6, 1945
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 109 (May 18, 1945)

    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 Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Edward Hendree Harrison (ASN: 0-529896), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, from 20 January 1944 through 6 February 1945. During this period, Chaplain Harrison repeatedly distinguished himself by his heroic devotion to duty. During fierce fighting in the Saar-Moselle area he was constantly with foremost assaulting units, braving intense enemy fire to aid in evacuating wounded men. Without thought of his own safety he entered dangerous mine fields to remove casualties and organized and led litter bearer teams through artillery mortar and small arms fire. His complete devotion to duty was a constant inspiration to those with whom he served. Chaplain Harrison’s heroic achievements and the courage he displayed exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 94th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.