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Harry
Browning
Slocum
January 18, 1897

–

December 29, 1980

Harry Slocum graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1919. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Minneapolis (CA-36)

    Action Date:

    October 18 – 29, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03999 (June 17, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Harry Browning Slocum (NSN: 0-34975), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36), during the Battle for Leyte Gulf and the landing on Leyte, from 18 to 29 October 1944; and during action in Lingayen Gulf and the landing on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 6 – 18 January 1945. Although the MINNEAPOLIS was subjected to intense, prolonged enemy aerial attack, Captain Slocum coolly and capably fought his ship, delivering highly effective gunfire and thereby contributing materially to the success of these operations. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Slocum is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Minneapolis (CA-36)

    Action Date:

    October 24 – 25, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 13680 (December 7, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Harry Browning Slocum (NSN: 0-34975), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait in the early hours of 25 October 1944. With United States cruiser units executing a strategic maneuver, as the tactically disposed destroyer units initiated a series of deadly torpedo attacks against a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers advancing under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, Captain Slocum skillfully directed his ship into advantageous striking position despite extremely hazardous conditions and, ordering the fire of his powerful gun batteries with precise timing in a sudden coordinated onset, delivered a smashing Naval bombardment from his man-of-war, surprising the enemy and aiding materially in putting him to rout in Japanese-controlled waters. Detached from this Task Force to pursue the fleeing warships, he resolutely held to an undeviating course, overtaking the remnants of the battered enemy Task Force to join other friendly units in dealing the final blows which brought the decisive action to a close and completed the annihilation of a large and vital portion of the Japanese Fleet. His forceful leadership, brilliant direction and indomitable determination in the face of powerful enemy forces reflect the highest credit upon Captain Slocum and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Minneapolis (CA-36)

    Action Date:

    March 25 – April 12, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Harry Browning Slocum (NSN: 0-34975), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36) in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 25 March to 12 April 1945. Maintaining his ship at the peak of combat efficiency throughout this critical period, Captain Slocum contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of the MINNEAPOLIC in inflicting extensive damage on the enemy although under constant threat of hostile air, surface, submarine and shore-battery attacks. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave personal hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Slocum is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)