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First Name: Harry

Last Name: Harr

Birthplace: Pine Croft, PA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: East Freedom, PA
Middle Name: R.



Date of Birth: 22 February 1921

Date of Death: 05 June 1945

Rank: Corporal

Years Served: 1942 - 1945
Harry R. Harr

   
Engagements:
•  World War II (1941 - 1945)

Biography:

Harry R. Harr
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
World War II

Corporal Harry R. Harr (22 February 1921 - 5 June 1945) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II.

Harry R. Harr was born on 22 February 1921 in Pine Croft, PA. He joined the Army from East Freedom, PA. On 5 June 1945, he was serving as a Corporal in Company D, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division. On that day, near Maglamin, Mindanao, the Philippines, he covered the blast of a Japanese-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. For this heroic self-sacrifice he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 5 June 1945.

Citation: 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.

Death and Burial

Corporal Harry R. Harr was killed in action on 5 June 1945. He is buried at Alto Reste Burial Park in Altoona, PA, in Section C, Lot 190.



Honoree ID: 1429   Created by: MHOH

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