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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Harold E. Harper (MCSN: 224637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as First Sergeant while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 3 and 14 March 1945. Making two daring trips in darkness to enemy held territory in the face of hostile small arms and mortar fire, First Sergeant Harper effected the rescue of two wounded Marines and, when another casualty lay exposed to intense small arms fire on 14 March, went to his aid and succeeded in tying a rope around him and in pulling him a distance of fifty yards to cover. By his courage and grave concern for the lives of others, First Sergeant Harper upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 15, 1945
    SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 54922 (SofN Signed October 6, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Sergeant Harold E. Harper (MCSN: 224637), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as First Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 15 March 1945. Armed only with a shotgun and hand grenades after hostile forces had attacked his company and inflicted casualties, First Sergeant Harper single-handedly sought out and attacked the enemy and, although severely wounded, boldly continued his relentless firing until he had exhausted all his ammunition. When his wound had been treated, he made a second hazardous trip to the area and carried out another attack until he had succeeded in annihilating all of the nineteen resisting Japanese. By his indomitable courage and initiative, First Sergeant Harper upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.