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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Harllee (NSN: 0-73470), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWELVE (MTB-12), during operations against enemy Japanese forces along the northern coast of New Guinea and Western New Britain. Courageously leading his units into combat at every favorable attack opportunity, Commander Harllee relentlessly sought out hostile barge traffic throughout this period of intense offensive activity. Although subjected to frequent Japanese aerial assault and bitter return fire from enemy shore batteries and barges which, on one occasion, damaged his own boat, he directed the operations of his command with determined aggressiveness and succeeded in sinking a hostile lagger, one torpedo boat and nine barges, in damaging two other barges and one hostile aircraft, and in successfully landing scouting parties far behind enemy lines. Commander Harllee’s brilliant leadership and resolute devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 12 (MTB-12)

    Action Date:

    February 1943 – April 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 5698 (March 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander John Harllee (NSN: 0-73470), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area. Serving as Commander Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWELVE (MTB-12) from February 1943 to April 13, 1944, Commander Harllee contributed materially to the success of his boats in blockading and destroying Japanese shipping in the New Guinea and New Britain area, personally leading many combat patrols and special missions. Also commanding advanced motor torpedo boat bases, he directed with marked success the combat operations of these bases. Acting as Chief of Staff and Operations Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons, SEVENTH Fleet, since 13 April 1944, he brought the organization to a high degree of combat effectiveness during this period of rapid expansion and movement, thereby contributing materially to the success of PT operations. Responsible for the compilation of the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons, SEVENTH Fleet Tactical Doctrine and Orders, he expended much time and effort in research and study, contributing valuable data from his own experience and observations. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Harllee is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)