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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Morgan H. Harris, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. Commanding a mine sweeping group, Lieutenant Commander Harris executed all assignments with skill, efficiency and painstaking thoroughness. He trained and indoctrinated a command which contributed materially to the success of our operations.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Ahrens (DE-575)

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1944
    Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on February 13, 1959.

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Morgan H. Harris, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. AHRENS (DE-575), in action against the enemy on 29 May 1944, in the Atlantic War Area. While engaged in rescuing survivors of the torpedoed U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND, and while surrounded by several hundred members of the crew of the torpedoed carrier, Commander Harris made contact with the enemy submarine which had previously torpedoed two ships of the task group. Realizing the peril to which he was subjecting his ship, he remained immobile in the area, tracked the enemy and directed a companion vessel to close in and deliver attacks which resulted in the destruction of the hostile vessel. By his excellent Judgment, cool courage, and sound leadership, Commander Harris upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.