Navy Federal Credit Union

William Harrison was a direct descendant of President William Henry Harrison. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1889. His son graduated from West Point in 1917, earning the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star in World War II, and retired as an Army General.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Chester

    Action Date:

    April 21 – 22, 1914

    War Department, General Orders No. 177 (December 4, 1915)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Commander William Kelly Harrison, United States Navy, for distinguished conduct in battle on board the U.S.S. CHESTER during the engagements of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914. During this period, Commander Harrison brought his ship into the inner harbor during the nights of the 21st and 22d without the assistance of a pilot or navigational lights, and was in a position on the morning of the 22d to use his guns with telling effect at a critical time.