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The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James A. Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-2204091), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Harris distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Changnyong-ni, Korea, on 20 September 1950. On that date, First Lieutenant Harris was with his company in an attack under devastating enemy fire. When the company commander was wounded during this engagement and unable to continue the attack, Lieutenant Harris immediately took charge of the company and led the attack. After securing the first objective, he was seriously wounded in the chest by hostile fire but refused medical aid. Even though mortally wounded he continued in the attack and secured the last enemy strongpoint. Through the outstanding bravery and gallant sacrifice of Lieutenant Harris, the company successfully accomplished their mission and inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy. Lieutenant Harris died of his wounds on 21 September 1950. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Harris reflected great credit on himself and was in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1950
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 4 (February 7, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James Anthony Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-2204091), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Harris distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chang Nyong-ni, Korea, on 28 July 1950. When the enemy set up an observation post on a dominant hill and repulsed all attempts to be dislodged, Lieutenant Harris organized a patrol of seven men to take the hill. Climbing the precipitous slope, he led the patrol in a daring frontal assault against an estimated forty enemy soldiers armed with automatic weapons and supported by mortars and artillery. Storming the position, his patrol routed the enemy in a bitter hour-long fight. When the hill was secured, twenty-one enemy dead were counted and nine machine-guns and numerous maps were captured. Lieutenant Harris’ conspicuous gallantry and superb fighting leadership enabled his unit to capture an important terrain feature and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Infantry.