Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Alva
Lee
Harvey
May 22, 1900

–

December 1, 1992

Cemetery:

Presbyterian Cemetery

After earning a Distinguished Service Medal for his historic effort to fly around the world in 1924, Alva Harvey survived the crash of his plane into a mountain along the Bearing Sea in Alaska. He later was commissioned, and served as an Army Air Forces Colonel during World War II, where he earned a Silver Star.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 114 (May 31, 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Alva L. Harvey (ASN: 0-16574), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Harvey, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Corps

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    Airplane No. 1, “The Seattle”

    Action Date:

    April 6 – April 30, 1924
    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1925)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Staff Sergeant Alva Lee Harvey, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Sergeant Harvey displayed unusual judgment, technical knowledge, and initiative in the preparation of the airplanes for the United States Army Air service around-the-world flight and as Mechanician and Assistant pilot of Airplane No. 1, the “Seattle,” from 6 April 1924 until 30 April 1924, when, due to an accident which resulted in the complete wreck of the airplane, he was forced to abandon the flight. His foresight, perseverance, and mechanical ability were very material factors in contributing to the successful accomplishment of this pioneer flight of airplanes around the world. In the performance of this great task Sergeant Harvey aided in bringing great credit to the military forces of the United States.