Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 13, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 64 (March 18, 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 Sergeant Herman Ellsworth Harris (ASN: 6948411), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 13 January 1943. Sergeant Harris was ordered to occupy a knoll on a ridge with a squad of infantrymen. The initial attempt to carry out this mission was halted by enemy machine gun fire. Sergeant Harris worked his way up the ridge to a position from which he could hurl grenades at the enemy machine gun position. He then led his squad in an attack which resulted in its capture. In accomplishing this mission, Sergeant Harris made the supreme sacrifice. Sergeant Harris’ 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 and the United States Army.