Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Bertram
Cowgill
Harrison
March 19, 1917

–

December 17, 2009

Cemetery:

Union Cemetery

Bertram Harrison graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1938. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1969 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    Strategic Air Command

    Action Date:

    1956 – 1959
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Strategic Air Command, from 1956 to 1959. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Harrison and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    460th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 460th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    Strategic Air Command

    Action Date:

    1956 – 1959
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Strategic Air Command, from 1956 to 1959. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Harrison and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Berlin Airlift

    Action Date:

    1947 – 1948
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Berlin Airlift, from 1947 to 1948. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Harrison and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    460th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 460th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Harrison and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    460th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1944
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 2420 (August 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 460th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 26 July 1944, Colonel Harrison led his group on a bombing mission against a vitally important enemy airdrome in Austria. Approaching the target his formation encountered intense, heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire which severely damaged his aircraft and rendered two engines inoperative. Despite this difficulty, together with heavy fire from aggressive enemy fighters, displaying outstanding courage and leadership, Colonel Harrison led his entire group over the cloud obscured target for a highly successful bombing run. Under his capable direction the bombs from his ship and those of his entire formation were concentrated in the immediate target area, inflicting grave damage to vital installations and regaining the operation of his two inoperative engines, he skillfully brought them safely to base without further damage. By his conspicuous gallantry, outstanding leadership and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout over forty successful missions against the enemy, Colonel Harrison has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 1, 1965 – April 30, 1968
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 24 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of Manpower and Organization, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 July 1965 to 30 April 1968. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and dedicated efforts of General Harrison were significantly displayed in the management and direction of Air Force Manpower and Organization activities, world-wide. During this period, General Harrison’s dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in a re-determination of the force structure manpower requirements for optimum use of military/civilian mix and rated officer skills. This vital achievement was a significant factor in meeting critical demands for Air Force operations in Southeast Asia. General Harrison’s exceptional professional ability enhanced Congressional and Secretary of Defense support of the Air Force manpower program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Harrison reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    460th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 23, 1944
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 1492 (July 2, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Bertram Cowgill Harrison (ASN: 0-21152), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-24 type aircraft of the 460th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 23 June 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison led a Wing formation against vitally important enemy oil storage facilities in Rumania. Despite severe and adverse weather conditions which virtually obscured check points. together with accurate, heavy and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison, by outstanding professional skill, maintained such a close formation that the fighter escort were able to give perfect cover to the entire Wing formation. By his courageous leadership, he was able to lead the Wing through enemy opposition for a highly successful bombing run, inflicting grave damage to vital enemy installations. Rallying from the target, under continued enemy opposition, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison successfully kept the formation of crippled bombers in their positions, within the protective formation, thus enabling him to lead them safely back to home base. By his extraordinary professional skill, outstanding courage and leadership as evidenced throughout over thirty-two successful missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.