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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harris Claude Neil, Jr. (ASN: 0-348095), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Mairy, France, on 8 September 1944. When a greatly superior enemy force with armored vehicles attacked the town and attempted to contain his platoon with an equal force, First Lieutenant Neil at once perceived the plan. Leading a squad, he entered the town, circled to the flank of the enemy, and directed and participated in a sudden assault at the risk of his life, heedless of enemy fire from all calibers. From a range of 20 yards, he swept the enemy column with fire of a heavy machinegun, held in his hands. The example of his coolness inspired all who witnessed it and his gallant act destroyed the enemy attack. First Lieutenant Neil’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    358th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1944
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 20 (1945), Amended by General Orders No. 25 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harris Claude Neil, Jr. (ASN: 0-348095), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the assault on Fort Koenigsmacher, near the Moselle River, France, on 11 November 1944. On that date, the advance of Company A was temporarily halted by intense enemy machine gun fire from a strong concrete shelter position. In full view of the enemy, Lieutenant Neil made his way to the top of the shelter, ignoring the heavy fire directed against him, and coolly directed the placing of an explosive charge which demolished then entrance. Then, while the enemy increased their fire in an attempt to dislodge him, he poured gasoline into a ventilator of the enemy emplacement and threw a phosphorous grenade. He was severely burned in the ensuing explosion, but clung to his precarious position and threw another grenade which exploded the gasoline and silenced the enemy fire. First Lieutenant Neil’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    358th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 8, 1944
    Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 139 (September 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harris Claude Neil, Jr. (ASN: 0-348095), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Le Mans, France, on 8 August 1944. While his platoon was establishing road blocks near the town, an approaching enemy convoy was observed. First Lieutenant Neil organized his men, halted the enemy column, and boldly advanced ahead of his platoon, although poor visibility made it impossible to appraise the strength of the German unit. He demanded and effected its surrender, including 150 Germans captured and much valuable equipment taken. First Lieutenant Neil’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.