Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    124th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    31st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 5, 1945

    War Department, General Orders No. 28 (March 28, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Harry R. Harr, United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity on 5 June 1945, while serving with Company D, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action at Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on Corporal Harr’s machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, one of which exploded under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding two of the crew. While the remaining gunners were desperately attempting to repair their weapon another grenade landed squarely in the emplacement. Quickly realizing he could not safely throw the unexploded missile from the crowded position, Corporal Harr unhesitatingly covered it with his body to smother the blast. His supremely courageous act, which cost him his life, saved four of his comrades and enabled them to continue their mission. Corporal Harr’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.