Harry R. Harr

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Harry R. Harr, United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity on 5 June 1945, while serving with Company D, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action at Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on Corporal Harr’s machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, one of which exploded under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding two of the crew. While the remaining gunners were desperately attempting to repair their weapon another grenade landed squarely in the emplacement. Quickly realizing he could not safely throw the unexploded missile from the crowded position, Corporal Harr unhesitatingly covered it with his body to smother the blast. His supremely courageous act, which cost him his life, saved four of his comrades and enabled them to continue their mission.