Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    43d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 218 (August 21, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Harold A. Slager (ASN: 0-360364), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 43d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 25 July 1943. On that date, Captain Slager was ordered to coordinate the employment of tanks with an Infantry Battalion, attacking a strong enemy position. Having initiated the movement, he might have sought cover, but instead he crept forward to an advantageous position where he might better supervise the operation, fully aware that he was in extreme danger. While observing the progress of the attack to insure its success, he was killed by machine gun fire. Captain Slager made this sacrifice endeavoring to insure the most effective employment of tanks with a minimum of loss. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 43d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.