William Kelly Harrison
Commander, U.S. Navy
Medal of Honor Recipient
Occupation of Veracruz

Commander William Kelly Harrison (30 July 1870 - 15 August 1928) was a U.S. Navy officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Occupation of Veracruz.

William Kelly Harrison was born on 30 July 1870 in Waco, TX. Harrison graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1889. He is a direct descendant of President William Henry Harrison. His son, William Kelly Harrison Jr., graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1917 and retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant General and a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Cross [Honoree Record ID 313622].

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy

Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. During this period, Comdr. Harrison brought his ship into the inner harbor during the nights of the 21st and 22d without the assistance of a pilot or navigational lights, and was in a position on the morning of the 22d to use his guns with telling effect at a critical time.

Death and Burial

Commander William Kelly Harrison died on 15 August 1928 in San Diego, CA. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 2, Lot 1080.

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