Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Wingate W. Harris (ASN: 34600040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 7 March 1945. When unidentified rifle fire from the left flank threatened his unit during an attack, Corporal Harris, looking through field glasses, thought he recognized friendly troops preparing to fire on his position with a heavy machine gun, but was not certain as to their identity. He dashed across an open field under enemy artillery and mortar fire only to be greeted by a hail of bullets. Diving into a hole and removing his field jack to reveal an air panel sewn on the inside, he induced the friendly troops to hold their fire and informed them of his unit’s position, thereby saving his company many casualties. His intrepid and resourceful actions reflect high credit upon his character as a soldier.

Awards Received