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,WWII Army Enlistment Records and by June 5, 1945, was 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 on March 28, 1946.
Harr, age 24 at his death, was buried in Alto Reste Burial Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania.
The CPL Harry R. Harr US Army Reserve Center in Altoona, PA is named in his honor.
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.
Awards and decorations
BadgeCombat Infantryman Badge1st rowMedal of HonorBronze Star Medal2nd rowPurple HeartArmy Good Conduct MedalAmerican Campaign Medal3rd rowAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign starWorld War II Victory MedalPhilippine Liberation Medal
See also
List of Medal of Honor recipients List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II 124th Infantry Regiment (United States)
References