Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps (Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", United States Marine Corps)

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Boone T. Harris (MCSN: 830049), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Scout of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action at Peleliu, Palau Islands, 20 September 1944. After his company had been cut down by hostile machine-gun fire during an assault over open ground, Private First Class Harris boldly returned to the area through intense fire from automatic weapons emplaced in caves on the crest of a ridge and, single-handedly turning on the first cave, emptied his pistol into the enemy gun crew. After silencing the weapon with hand grenades, he picked up an automatic rifle and, delivering intense fire into a second Japanese position, enabled two men of his company to crawl to safety. Then, under cover of smoke grenades, Private First Class Harris seized a third casualty and carried him across his shoulders out of the fire-swept zone. Although subjected to continual machine-gun fire from enemy positions located on adjoining ridges during his actions, he saved the lives of several comrades who might otherwise have perished. His coolness, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00435.