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 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”.)

The 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.

The 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”.)

The 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.