Leroy Harris graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 9.25 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain in 1966.
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Leroy Harris graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 9.25 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain in 1966.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service from 7 July 1965 to 30 September 1966, as Chief, General War Division and Deputy Chief of the Joint War Games Agency. Exhibiting extremely competent leadership, Captain Harris had directly supervised the preparation of a highly detailed Red Integrated Strategic Offensive Plan (RISOP) and a war game of this plan against the Single Integrated Operations Plan (SIOP). The approval of RISOP without dissent by the Services and the subsequent approval by the Joint Chiefs of Staff attests to his efficiency in accomplishing this task. In May 1966, Captain Harris was given an assignment to develop the Attack Phase of the Post Nuclear Attack Study, which required a report on residual forces and resources in detail never before attempted. As there were no precedents or examples to follow in this project, Captain Harris, utilizing superior resourcefulness and imagination, organized a system including the Military Services, Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Communications Agency and many other activities which completed a data base for the study underway. By his outstanding leadership, judgment and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Captain Harris upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, 21 September 1944. Flying escort for a bombing and strafing mission against enemy shipping, Lieutenant Commander Harris led a coordinated attack against intercepting enemy planes, personally shooting down one and probably a second while his flight accounted for a total of ten shot down and six more probably destroyed. Although out of ammunition when enemy planes attacked on the return flight, he dove his plane into a formidable three-plane group which was harassing his second section leader and succeeded in repulsing the opposing aircraft. By his initiative and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Harris contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.