The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Harold Harris (ASN: 0-2262251), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On that date his company’s defensive positions were subjected to an overwhelming attack by an enemy force of estimated battalion strength. In the early phases of the engagement the company commander was killed and Lieutenant Harris assumed command. Immediately he organized a defense perimeter on a hill and prepared to withstand the fanatic and repeated enemy assaults. With complete disregard for his personal safety he exposed himself to the intense hostile fire, moving about his fire-swept perimeter, encouraging and inspiring his men by his own fearless conduct. For five hours he intrepidly held his ground against incessant attacks by the overwhelmingly superior enemy forces. At approximately 0500 hours that date the survivors of another Engineer unit withdrew from their positions and joined his company. When it became apparent that his position was untenable he ordered a withdrawal and skillfully led the two companies to the bank of the Chongchon River. Here he reorganized the two units, collected all the wounded and led them to the safety of a nearby village. As a result of his heroic conduct the enemy failed to overrun his company and his withdrawal was effected with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed on t his occasion by Lieutenant Harris reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.