Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Vulcan

    Action Date:

    August 4, 1943

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 325 (April 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Edwin B. Harris, United States Navy, for heroism while a member of the Fire Rescue Party from the U.S.S. VULCAN in Algiers Harbor on 4 August 1943. As a result of the explosion of an ammunition ship, H.M.S. ARROW was set violently ablaze in the harbor of Algiers. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Harris, as a member of a small boat party, with complete disregard for his own safety, made fast alongside the fiercely burning ship. He courageously assisted in a valiant attempt, by cutting through the ship’s side with a cutting torch, to rescue men who were trapped below decks. Despite the hazard of further explosions, he continued his efforts with coolness and perseverance for an extended period. The extraordinary heroism and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Harris were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.