Private William Simon Harris, a soldier in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry on May 13, 1899 in San Miguel de Mayumo, Luzon, Philippines during the Philippine Insurrection. At the time he was serving with Troop G, 4th U.S. Cavalry. Harris was 26 years old.
7 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on January 8, 1906, 6 years after the action. Approval for the Medal of Honor was made on January 8, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., but the Medal was not physically awarded until January 16, 2025. He later rose to the rank of First Sergeant.
Harris was born on April 9, 1873 in Casey County, Illinois, US. His Medal of Honor is credited to Seattle, King County, Washington, US. Harris died on January 22, 1963 in Kokomo, Indiana, US, at the age of 89. He is buried at Memorial Park in Kokomo, Indiana. Records also list him as Simon Harris.
Harris is one of 82 Medal of Honor recipients from the Philippine Insurrection and one of 40 credited to Washington.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Private William S. Harris distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on May 13, 1899, while serving as a member of Troop G, 4th United States Cavalry at San Miguel de Mayumo, Luzon, Philippine Islands. On this occasion about 300 of the enemy were drawn up in line in an advantageous position requiring a frontal attack. Without waiting for the supporting battalion to reinforce them, or to get into a position to do so, Private Harris and 11 other Scouts charged the line of the enemy, about 150 yards distant, and completely routed them. Private Harris’ conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- April 9, 1873Born in Casey County, Illinois, US
- May 13, 1899Act of valor — San Miguel de Mayumo, Luzon, PhilippinesAge 26. Troop G, 4th U.S. Cavalry
- January 8, 1906Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyApproval for the Medal of Honor was made on January 8, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., but the Medal was not physically awarded until January 16, 2025.
- January 22, 1963Died in Kokomo, Indiana, USAge 89.
- Resting placeMemorial ParkKokomo, Indiana
