Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Corporal Harry R. Harr was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on June 5, 1945 near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with Company D, 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division. Harr was 24 years old.
Harr was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded.
Harr was born on February 22, 1921 in Pine Croft, Blair County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to East Freedom, Blair County, Pennsylvania. He is buried at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Harr is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on his machine-gun emplacement, hurling 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (June 5, 1945).
- Age at death: 24
- Resting place: Alto-Reste Park Cemetery
Timeline
- February 22, 1921Born in Pine Croft, Blair County, Pennsylvania
- June 5, 1945Act of valor — near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine IslandsAge 24. Company D, 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division Killed in action.
- Resting placeAlto-Reste Park CemeteryAltoona, Pennsylvania
