Harold E. Morrow

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harold E. Morrow (1136878), Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Gunnery Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 July 1967. Gunnery Sergeant Morrow was engaged as a member of a company search and destroy operation against North Vietnamese Army elements. The point platoon came under extremely heavy automatic and semiautomatic weapons fire from an estimated reinforced North Vietnamese Army platoon. Upon receiving word that the platoon commander, platoon sergeant, and one squad leader had become casualties, Gunnery Sergeant Morrow immediately volunteered to take command of the first platoon. Moving forward under extremely intense enemy fire, he reached the unit and assumed command. With full knowledge of the hazards involved, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the fight and supervising removal of the casualties to a helicopter landing zone for evacuation. Moving from man to man, he inspired his men with dynamic leadership and courageous fighting spirit until he was mortally wounded. As a result of his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty, many Marine lives were saved. Gunnery Sergeant Morrow’s outstanding and selfless efforts in behalf of others served to inspire all who observed him and to uphold the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.