Cleveland Ray Harvey
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps

On 18 November 1970, First Lieutenant Cleveland Ray Harvey was serving with B Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, 1LT Harvey was a passenger in a helicopter that was shot down during a Recon extraction. He died in the crash and his body was recovered.

Medals and Awards

Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Bronze Star Medal Citation

For meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy of the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the First Marine Division from 13 July to 18 November 1970. Throughout this period, First Lieutenant Harvey performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, he diligently trained his men and quickly molded them into a cohesive and aggressive fighting unit fully capable of responding to any tactical situation. Additionally, when not committed to active combat, he conducted comprehensive instruction in various military subjects to ensure that his men were fully knowledgeable in both offensive and defensive tactics and the information thus acquired, coupled with First Lieutenant Harvey's leadership, was a telling factor in the many successes achieved by his unit. Reassigned as a Platoon Commander with Company B, First Reconnaissance Battalion on 14 October 1970, he continued to distinguish himself by his outstanding performance of duty and by his courage and composure under fire while moving to dangerously exposed vantage points from which to observe enemy activities and control the fire and maneuver of his men. First Lieutenant Harvey's professionalism, tireless efforts, and steadfast devotion to duty earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

Burial

First Lieutenant Cleveland Ray Harvey is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 7, Site 9050-1.

Honors

The name Cleveland R Harvey is located on Panel 6W Line 67 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.