The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Harry Raymond Thurber (NSN: 0-34578), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a United States Cruiser, operating as a Bombardment and Fire Support Force during action against enemy Japanese strongholds in the forward areas of the Pacific. A courageous and forceful leader, handling his ship with skill and daring, Captain Thurber brought accurate and devastating fire to bear upon hostile shore batteries and installations, thereby contributing to the success of subsequent landing assaults. Subjected to hostile air attack which damaged his ship during one of these engagements, Captain Thurber skillfully directed repair measures and, by his superb seamanship and resourcefulness, enabled the vessel to be preceded to port for repairs and further action against the enemy. His gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Action Date:
July 16, 1940 – May 27, 1941
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Harry Raymond Thurber (NSN: 0-34578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States and the United States Navy as Director of Public Relations in the Department of the Navy from 16 July 1940 to 27 May 1941. With eminent foresight, Captain Thurber visualized the need for expanding the public relations organization of the Navy to meet the national emergency then existing, and with skill, judgment and indefatigable energy, supervised that task throughout the nation and in the forces afloat. Captain Thurber assisted the Secretary of the Navy and the Naval Service to a superior degree in maintaining cordial and helpful relations with all public media of information, and at the same time initiated, and aided in carrying out, a nation-wide campaign for voluntary censorship concerning certain naval aspects in the months preceding World War II. This campaign had a marked, adverse effect on the intelligence efforts of our enemies prior to and during that war. Captain Thurber’s untiring efforts in apprising the people of this country with regard to the status of naval preparedness, and at the same time safeguarding vital naval interests, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
December 24, 1942 – March 24, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Harry Raymond Thurber (NSN: 0-34578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff and Operations Officer, and during certain periods of planning and combat operations as Acting Chief of Staff, on the Staff of the Commander South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force during the period from 24 December 1942 to 24 March 1944. Captain Thurber, by his sound and courageous judgment, his outstanding grasp of the overall strategic aspects of sea, air and amphibious warfare, his initiative, thorough organization, superior planning, willingness to accept responsibility, and consistently skillful correlation of the activities of combatant and supporting units in the area, contributed in superlative degree to the success of our forces against the enemy during a long and arduous period that marked the Allied transition from the defensive to the offensive in the Pacific. His brilliant, aggressive direction of operations throughout, particularly in preparation for and during the stubbornly-contested New Georgia and Bougainville operations, was a marked factor in the successful prosecution and completion of the Allied offensive campaign in the British Solomon Islands, as a result of which great damage, decisively affecting the remaining course of the Pacific war, was inflicted upon Japanese forces and installations. Captain Thurber’s leadership, inspirational devotion to duty and conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.