Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citation:
Wesley D. Harris (0-453241), Captain (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 20 September 1944, in Holland. Captain Harris, while under heavy enemy fire, personally directed the loading and movement of assault boats which enabled the 504th Parachute Infantry to successfully cross the Waal River and establish the vital Nijmegen bridgehead. Crossing the river in the face of heavy enemy machine gun, 20-mm., and artillery fire in one of the first assault boats of the initial assault wave, Captain Harris was painfully wounded in the back and arm but continued to supervise the movement and unloading of the boats. After returning to the south bank of the river he refused medical evacuation but effected rapid and thorough reorganization of the remaining boats and engineer personnel for the crossing of the second wave. While leading the second wave a pontoon near his boat was hit by enemy fire and capsized, but Captain Harris plunged into the river and despite his wounded condition assisted 3 men to other boats. Captain Harris then returned to the south bank and while supervising loading of the third wave, fainted for the loss of blood. Captain Harris' intrepid direction, heroic leadership, and superior professional ability contributed directly to the success of the bridgehead operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions and standards of the United States Army.

Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 8

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 15th, 1943

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Wesley D. Harris (ASN: 0-453241), United States Army, "For gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action during the period 15 to 20 September 1943. Having successfully parachuting during the night of ****, 1943, through concentrated enemy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Harris assembled all the men he could locate and successfully guided them through hostile territory to reach friendly troops near ***, by 1800, 15 September 1943, without suffering any casualties. Lieutenant Harris brought back accurate information about the disposition of enemy troops, armor, and artillery that proved of inestimable value in subsequent operations. Throughout this operation, Lieutenant Harris personally scouted all terrain through which he moved with utter disregard for his own safety in order to insure his men against unexpected attack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

For having distinguished himself by performing excellent acts of courage, conduct and loyalty during the fighting by the 82nd Airborne Division in the area of the city of NIJMEGEN between September 17th and October 4th, 1944. Thereby having displayed repetitiously outstanding devotion to duty and great perseverance and in all respects having set a praiseworthy example and having been an inspiration to all during those gloriousc days.

Royal Decree dated October 8th, 1945 Nr. 31.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

OLC

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

with Arrowhead Pin, Silver and 3 Bronze Stars

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Rank:

Major

(Germany)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

with 2 Combat Jump Stars

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel