Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

1st Company, 3rd Regiment, 1st Special Service Force, British Army

Awarded on:

December 9th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 1st Company, 3d Regiment, 1st Special Service Force, in action against enemy forces on 4 January 1944, near Radicosa, Italy. When his company's assault against an enemy held mountain crest was pinned down by grazing fire of the enemy machine guns and rifle fire, Staff Sergeant Harvey, commanding a leading assault platoon, quickly realized that if the assaulting elements remained pinned down they would be wiped out. Unhesitatingly he rose and charged up the open slope through withering fire toward the nearest enemy machine gun, firing his Thompson submachine gun into the position as he ran. Approaching to within five yards of the position, he tossed grenades into the emplacement, destroying the weapon and killing or wounding all of the crew. Summoning his men to follow him, he led them toward a second machine gun 100 yards away. Forty yards from the second enemy gun position, he ordered his men to cover his advance as he alone rushed the position. Fifteen yards from his objective he was struck by a burst from a machine pistol and fell mortally wounded. Inspired by the unselfish determination which cost their leader his life, Staff Sergeant Harvey's men charged the enemy machine gun, killing two of the crew while the remainder of the company quickly overran the entire enemy defensive position. Staff Sergeant Harvey's intrepidity, leadership, and outstanding courage, exemplify the highest traditions of the Allied Military Forces."

Headquarters: U.S. Army-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 144 (posthumously awarded)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)