Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    91st Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1943

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (August 3, 1943), Amended by G.O. No. 52 (August 10, 1943)

    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 Staff Sergeant James Alvin Harrison (ASN: 6944161), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 May 1943, against enemy targets at St. Nazaire, France. The aircraft in which Sergeant Harrison was serving as Tail Gunner was attacked by a force of enemy fighter airplanes, and during the course of the engagement he was severely wounded by cannon fire, his guns destroyed, and the waist gunner was rendered unconscious. In spite of his wounds he crawled to the waist gunner’s position, manned these guns, and courageously fought off the attacks of the enemy. The courage, skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Harrison on this occasion contributed materially to the repulse of the enemy attack and subsequent safe return of the aircraft and crew. His personal courage and zealous devotion to duty on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.