Navy Federal Credit Union

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.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    July 7, 1965 – September 30, 1966

    Board Serial 7278 (December 6, 1966)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944

    (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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1944

    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0438 (August 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier based fighter aircraft. On 11 June 1944, in the area of the Mariana Islands, while engaged in leading a combat air patrol he sighted, on three separate occasions, enemy scout planes and by his prompt direction of and skillful assistance in their destruction prevented the transmission of valuable information to the enemy, thereby preserving the security of our forces operating in that area. In one instance he intercepted an enemy bomber as it was attacking a friendly destroyer, and in the face of anti-aircraft fire from the destroyer, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he pressed home an attack upon the enemy plane and effected its immediate destruction. On 12 June, he led a nine-plane fighter sweep, and, when opposed by a superior number of enemy planes, his leadership and aggressiveness were of such a high caliber as to enable his flights to destroy eleven enemy aircraft, of which he personally accounted for two. His leadership, judgment and devotion to duty in all combat actions were exemplary and inspired the confidence of those who served under him. His courage, skill and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944

    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 0472 (December 18, 1944)

    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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    July 27 – September 7, 1944

    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 5250 (July 16, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 27 July to 7 September 1944. Lieutenant Commander Harris completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    April 22 – 29, 1944

    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 5250 (July 16, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 22 to 29 April 1944. Lieutenant Commander Harris completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    June 24, 1944

    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0438 (August 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leroy Eugene Harris (NSN: 0-82487), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 24 June 1944 in the area of the Bonin Islands he led his Division in the interception of and attack upon a group of enemy planes approaching our forces. By his alertness and skill he thwarted their attack and succeeded in personally destroying two enemy torpedo bombers. His conduct throughout the action evidenced unusual leadership, resourcefulness and courage and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.