The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Harry Edward Sears (NSN: 0-62111), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VB-104) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific War Area from 15 August 1943 to 5 April 1944. Demonstrating outstanding ability, Captain Sears organized, trained and commanded his squadron during its formative period and first combat tour, thereby enabling his planes to render pioneer service in changing defensive search tactics into more effective reconnaissance combined with offensive measures, utilizing to the full the potentialities of planes and equipment and initiating the hazardous masthead bombing attacks. While providing valuable intelligence information to our forces in their sustained drive against the enemy in vital areas, he directed his command in devastating attacks against Japanese aircraft, surface vessels and shore installations. By his professional ability, leadership and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of our offensive operations in the area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 104 (VP-104)Action Date:
November 11 – December 8, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Harry Edward Sears (NSN: 0-62111), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial attacks against the enemy as Commander of a heavy bomber engaged in search missions in the Solomon Islands Area during the period from 11 November to 8 December 1943. Commander Sears was successful in acquiring valuable intelligence concerning enemy forces and was responsible for the destruction of, or serious damage to, one enemy mine sweeper, one yard patrol vessel, four other small auxiliary vessels, one barge loaded with supplies and personnel and two enemy fighter planes. The courage, skill, initiative and daring display by him on these missions far from his base were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Batallion:
Bombing Squadron 104 (VP-104)Action Date:
August 26 to November 4, 1943
Commander Southern Pacific Fleet: Serial 00320 (January 27, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Harry Edward Sears (NSN: 0-62111), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Squadron Commander of a Navy Patrol Bombing Plane in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VB-104), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 26 August to 4 November 1943. Organizing and leading an eight-plane strike against a hostile task force near Buka Passage on 26 August, Captain Sears skillfully maneuvered his planes in bold defiance of intense anti-aircraft fire and despite adverse weather conditions and daringly attacked the leader of the destroyers, scoring a direct hit and several near misses on the target. On 9 and 26 September, during two routine search missions within a 700-mile radius of his base, he intercepted and shot down an enemy twin-engined bomber and located, bombed and sank a Japanese vessel. Subsequently, his flight attacked a Japanese convoy in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and strong fighter opposition and obtained devastating hits on two hostile aircraft. Personally attacking an enemy submarine off Kusaie Island on 19 October, he released his bombs at a perilously low altitude to score several straddling near misses on the surfaced ship. While on special patrol in the vicinity of Kavieng, Captain Sears reported an enemy convoy transporting urgently needed fuel to Japanese forces at Rabaul, and then pressed home vigorous bombing and strafing assaults from masthead height which resulted in a direct hit on each of the oilers and the complete disruption of the vital enemy formation. A forceful and determined leader, Captain Sears, by his superb airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage in the face of grave peril, contributed immeasurably to the infliction of serious and costly damage on the enemy in this strategic area and to the ultimate success of our sustained drive against the Japanese in the Pacific War Theater. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.