The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Major General Field Harris (MCSN: 0-401), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility from 4 September 1950 to 15 May 1951. As Commanding General, FIRST Marine Air Wing, General Harris provided the United Nations Forces in Korea with the maximum possible Marine airpower in ground support operations. Demonstrating superior professional and technical skill, General Harris directed his forces in support of the invasion of Inchon, the battle for Seoul and the operation of Wonsan. Inspired by his able direction, men and air craft under his command were among the earliest to arrive and the last to leave the historic action in the Hamhung-Hungnam Perimeter. The immeasurable contribution to the miraculous escape of United Nations Forces at Chosin Reservoir provided by the First Marine Air Wing, amply demonstrated Major General Harris’ exemplary conduct, ability, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty. These significant achievements reflect outstanding credit upon himself, his organization, and the United States Marine Corps.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
September 1 – December 15, 1943
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe 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 with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Field Harris (MCSN: 0-401), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as prospective Commander, Aircraft, Northern Solomons, during the period from 1 September to 27 October 1943, and as Commander, Aircraft, Northern Solomons, from 27 October to 15 December 1943. Brigadier General Harris, by his outstanding professional attainments, his sound judgment and his unwavering devotion to duty in the preparation of plans for the use of aircraft and in the conduct of air operations, contributed materially to the success of the operations conducted by the FIRST Marine Amphibious Corps, which resulted in the occupation of the Treasury Islands and the establishment of a beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay on the enemy stronghold of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. (Brigadier General Harris is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 26, 1944 – August 31, 1945
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Field Harris (MCSN: 0-401), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Aviation, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, during the period from 18 August 1944 to 31 August 1945. As Director of the Aviation Marine Corps Division, Major General Harris achieved the expansion of this branch of the naval service in the period of its most urgent need. The successful planning and training of numerous units equipped for combat to meet the operating requirements of the naval service during a most critical period is, in large measure, attributable to his sound judgment and excellent direction which were consistently displayed. As a result he aided materially in the successful operations of our naval forces and his actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
June 25 – December 31, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Field Harris (MCSN: 0-401), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding General of the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing during the period 25 June to 31 December 1950. General Harris displayed outstanding ability in directing the rapid organization and expansion of the wing and its expeditious movement to the far east. He directed the wing’s operations against the enemy in Korea from 6 September 1950 to the close of the period, supervising and coordinating its varied operations from diverse locations, closely integrating its efforts with air units of other air units of other services supported in the area. Under his direction the Wing supported naval and ground forces in the execution of the amphibious landing against enemy held Inchon, Korea. His force next aided the ground forces in their movement inland and seizure of Kimpo Airfield. He then directed the rapid establishment of elements of the Wing at Kimpo from which locality they materially assisted ground forces in liberating the capitol city of Seoul and in driving enemy forces from central Korea. Thereafter he led the wing in its displacement to airfields at Wonsan and Yongpo, Korea. He directed the Wing’s operations from these fields in close support of United Nations ground forces operating in northeast Korea including their drives to the Yalu River and Chosin Reservoir. During the isolation of ground units in the Chosin Reservoir area, he directed the transport aircraft of the wing in the evacuation of wounded from a hastily prepared airfield in the Hagaru-ri area, thereby saving the lives of many wounded. The outstanding close air support furnished by his forces during the retirement of United Nations ground forces to the Hungnam beachhead was a vital factor in enabling the successful traverse of terrain occupied by numerically superior enemy forces, with a minimum amount of enemy interference and a minimum number of casualties. Under his direction the Wing established new standards of excellence in the close air support of ground forces, simultaneously rendering immeasurable assistance to the operations of ground forces by flying numerous harassing and search and attack missions behind enemy lines. His professional ability and inspirational leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
April 1 – July 25, 1943
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Field Harris (MCSN: 0-401), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to Commander Aircraft, Solomon Islands at Guadalcanal during the period from 1 April to 25 July 1943. Brigadier General Harris successfully utilized the available air units of the Army Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Royal New Zealand Air force to inflict upon the enemy the maximum losses in aircraft and trained personnel and the most severe damage to costly airport installations and shipping. His conduct under frequent air attacks and various undesirable health and living conditions was at all time snot only an outstanding example of courage and devotion to duty, but a constant source of inspiration to all hands and thoroughly in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Brigadier General Harris is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
February 15 – April 20, 1944
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Field Harris (MCSN: 0-401), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Aircraft Green Island from 15 February to 20 April 1944. During this period, Brigadier General Harris was attached to the New Zealand Forces during the capture and occupation of Green Island. He accompanied the first echelons ashore and despite continued enemy resistance, he immediately proceeded with the difficult task of planning for and developing a fighter strip and other base facilities. Due to his highly efficient organizational ability and sound judgment, the airfield was completed in the minimum of time. Through his skillful leadership and tireless efforts, he contributed materially to the successful neutralization of Japanese air power in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas. His courageous devotion to duty was an inspiration to his command and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.