Harry R. Harr

Harry R. Harr
Born (1921-02-22)February 22, 1921
Pinecroft, Pennsylvania
Died June 5, 1945(1945-06-05) (aged 24)
near Maglamin, Mindanao, the Philippines
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1942 - 1945
Rank Corporal
Unit 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Medal of Honor

Harry R. Harr (February 22, 1921 June 5, 1945) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Biography

Harr joined the Army from East Freedom, Pennsylvania in November 1942,[1] and by June 5, 1945 was serving as a Corporal in Company D, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division. On that day, near Maglamin, Mindanao, the Philippines, he smothered the blast of a Japanese-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor a year later, on March 28, 1946.

Harr, aged 24 at his death, was buried in Alto Reste Burial Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Medal of Honor citation

Corporal Harr's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on his machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, 1 of which exploded under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding 2 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, Cpl. Harr unhesitatingly covered it with his body to smother the blast. His supremely courageous act, which cost him his life, saved 4 of his comrades and enabled them to continue their mission.

See also

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
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