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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Harry C. Simpson (ASN: 0-1302536), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 12 September 1944. After he had led his company across the **** River against the heavy fire of an enemy advantageously situated on high ground overlooking the river, Captain Simpson, commanding Company C, *** Infantry Regiment, deployed his troops along the banks of the river in order to secure the bridgehead, widen the regimental objective and force the enemy from its position. In forcing the enemy withdrawal, Captain Simpson’s troops destroyed an enemy half track vehicle, an enemy tank and a self-propelled 88-mm. weapon. Mounting his troops on tanks, Captain Simpson rode the lead tank, exposing himself to enemy fire, and led his company in over-running the high ground some 5,000 yards from the river bank. Captain Simpson’s gallant actions, his personal bravery, tactical skill and outstanding leadership, accomplished the mission without a casualty among his troops, and reflect great credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    *** Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1944
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 33 (September 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant) Harry C. Simpson (ASN: 0-1302536), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 12 August 1944. As Company Commander of Company C, *** Infantry Regiment, he personally led his company in a successful attack against strongly defended enemy positions on Hill Number 310. He organized the defense of the hill, then called for and directed artillery fire on the retreating Germans. The enemy launched a heavy counterattack, and Captain Simpson skillfully led his company in a limited withdrawal, maintaining complete control of the situation at all times. When his battalion was relieved and directed to proceed to an assembly area, he led his company and a detachment from another company through more than a mile of enemy territory without casualties. The dynamic and inspiring leadership of Captain Simpson, his devotion to duty, resourcefulness and initiative, were responsible for inflicting many casualties upon the enemy while holding losses among his troops to a minimum. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.