Medal of Honor: Harry R. Harr - World War II - June 5, 1945
In the jungles of Mindanao, American soldiers fought off a fierce Japanese counterattack as grenades rained into their position. When one landed in the middle of the emplacement, a corporal made an instant choice that saved his fellow soldiers.
June 9, 2026
Name: Harry R. Harr
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Company D, 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 5, 1945
Location: Near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands
Summary of Action
On 5 June 1945, Corporal Harry R. Harr displayed extraordinary courage while defending his position during the campaign to liberate the Philippine island of Mindanao.
As American forces fought to eliminate stubborn Japanese resistance, Harr's machine-gun crew came under a fierce enemy counterattack. Japanese troops closed rapidly on the emplacement, showering it with hand grenades in an effort to destroy the gun and overrun the position.
One grenade exploded directly beneath the machine gun, disabling the weapon and wounding two members of the crew.
While the remaining soldiers desperately struggled to repair the damaged gun under fire, another grenade landed squarely inside the cramped fighting position.
There was no time to escape, and the confined emplacement left no safe way to throw the explosive clear without endangering everyone nearby.
Realizing that the lives of his comrades depended entirely on his actions, Corporal Harr acted without hesitation.
He threw himself over the grenade, shielding the rest of the crew with his own body and absorbing the full force of the explosion.
The blast claimed his life but spared the four soldiers beside him.
Because of his selfless sacrifice, the surviving crewmen were able to continue the mission and hold their position against the Japanese attack.
Corporal Harry R. Harr's extraordinary heroism and willingness to lay down his life for his fellow soldiers embodied the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Citation
HARR, HARRY R.
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.
Entered service at: East Freedom, Pa.
Birth: Pine Croft, Pa.
G.O. No.: 28, 28 March 1946.
Citation:
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on his machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, one of which exploded under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding two 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 four of his comrades and enabled them to continue their mission.
