Harry B. Wershiner

The Navy Cross is presented to Harry B. Wershiner, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as an Observer of the First Marine Aviation Force, attached to the Northern Bomb Group (USN), while on an air raid in company with Squadron 218, Royal Air Force, at the Front in France. On September 28, 1918, while on an air raid into enemy territory, his plane was attacked by fifteen enemy scouts. Despite the overwhelming odds Gunnery Sergeant Wershiner fought with great gallantry and intrepidity. He shot down two enemy scouts (one officially allowed) and although he was himself shot through the lungs and his pilot shot through the hips, he continued to fight until he was able to shake the enemy.