World War II Honoree

Richard James Harkness

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Muskegon, Michigan

Honored By

James R. Harkness

Relationship

Son

SERVED IN THE CHINA-BURMA-INDIA AND PACIFIC THEATERS OF OPERATION WITH THE 993RD SIGNAL OPERATIONS COMPANY. SAW ACTION IN NORTH AFRICA, INDIA AND CHINA. HE WAS PART OF A SMALL CREW OF MEN WHO PROVIDED CODING AND DECODING OF RADIO MESSAGES BETWEEN THE CHINESE COMBAT COMMAND (CCC) AND THE U.S. ARMY IN SUPPORT OF CHINESE ACTION AGAINST THE JAPANESE FORCES. ONE OF A FEW AMERICANS TO EVER RECEIVE THE CHINESE GRAND STAR OF HONOR MEDAL. HE WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON JANUARY 8, 1946, HAVING OBTAINED THE RANK OF CORPORAL (TECHNICIAN 5TH GRADE).