World War II Honoree

Walter J. Harris

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Ely, Nevada

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: TECHNICAL SERGEANT. SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS WITH I-COMPANY, 15TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD INFANTRY ‘ROCK OF THE MARNE’ DIVISION A COMPONENT UNIT OF VI CORPS. HE DIED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1944 IN AN ARMY FIELD HOSPITAL OF WOUNDS SUSTAINED IN COMBAT AND WAS BURIED IN A BATTLEFIELD CEMETERY. AFTER THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN EUROPE, HIS REMAINS WERE TRANSFERRED, WITH INTERMENT IN THE EPINAL AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT EPINAL (VOSGES), FRANCE. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS: SILVER STAR AND THE PURPLE HEART WITH A BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER. THE SERGEANT WAS AWARDED THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUSLY) FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY AND INTREPIDITY IN ACTION AGAINST AN ARMED ENEMY FORCE ON AUGUST 15, 1944 AND THE PURPLE HEART FOR HIS ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN DEFENSE OF HIS COUNTRY.