Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237) on the Ninth War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during the period 24 March 1944 to 15 May 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike enemy shipping, Commander Harlfinger successfully avoided detection and penetrated extremely strong enemy escort screens to launch a bold, aggressive attack in the face of heavy and persistent hostile countermeasures to sink four enemy passenger-freighters and an enemy destroyer totaling 33,200 tons and to damage four additional enemy ships totaling 18,050 tons. Although severely depth charged he courageously and expertly directed his vessel and succeeded in bringing her to port without serious injury to the ship or crew. Commander Harlfinger's inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 71

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

U.S.S. Trout (SS-202), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1942

Citation:
"for gallantry in action and participation in the accomplishment of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department in enemy-controlled waters during January - March 1942, while serving as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. Trout (SS-202). Carrying a heavy load of anti-aircraft ammunition urgently needed by the beleaguered forces of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippine Islands, the U.S.S. Trout departed from Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, for Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, at 0900 on 12 January 1942, refueling at Midway Island on 16 January 1942. The U.S.S. Trout proceeded on the surface until 21 January, traveling submerged thereafter during daylight hours. At 0230 on 27 January 1942, an unsuccessful night attack was made on a lighted vessel, resulting in the U.S.S. Trout being chased by the vessel at such speed as to for the Trout to dive in order to escape. On 3 February 1942, after dark, the Trout made rendezvous off Corregidor with an escort motor torpedo boat. The Trout then followed the escort at high speed through a winding passage in a mine field to South Dock, Corregidor Island, where she unloaded 3500 rounds of anti-aircraft artillery ammunition for the Army Forces defending Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. Twenty tons of gold and silver, securities, diplomatic and United States mail and two additional torpedoes were loaded on the Trout for the return voyage. The Trout cleared the Corregidor dock at 0300, 4 February and bottomed in Manila Bay during daylight on 4 February. Surfacing that night, additional securities and mail were loaded before the Trout departed from Manila Bay through the mine field. On the return trip one enemy merchant vessel and one patrol vessel were attacked and sunk. The U.S.S. Trout arrived at Pearl Harbor on 3 March 1942, after 51 days at sea."

Headquarters, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

U.S.S. Whale (SS-239), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

1943

Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Torpedo Control Officer of the U.S.S. Whale (SS-239), during the First War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 9 October 1942 to 10 November 1942. Lieutenant Harlfinger displayed conspicuous gallantry and skill during the planting of mine fields close to the enemy shore under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. He assisted directly in delivering damaging torpedo attacks against enemy shipping which resulted in sinking one enemy freighter of 9,400 tons and severely damaging three freighters totaling 18, 139 tons. These attacks were carried out in the face of heavy and certain enemy counterattacks. His courage and skill in these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Silver Star received as a Golden Star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

U.S.S. Whale (SS-239), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

July 23rd, 1945

Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action as Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. Whale (SS-239), during the Second War Patrol of that Vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 3 January to 2 February 1943. Expertly handling attack problems, Commander Harlfinger rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks to sink over 19,000 tons of enemy shipping and to inflict damage on an addition 13,000 tons, despite severe enemy countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Third Silver Star received as a second Gold Star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
At the time of the presentation he held the rank of Commander.
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 031334

Rank:

Rear Admiral

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 24 January 1964 to 26 January 1967 as the Assistant Director for Collection, Defense Intelligence Agency. During this period, Rear Admiral Harlfinger displayed vigorous leadership, perseverance and an exceptional understanding of national and defense intelligence collection requirements in managing the collection resources of the Army, Navy and Air Force in areas vital to the security of the United States, resulting in high operational effectiveness and viability. His influence in the development of interdepartmental and interagency plans and programs and in the resolution of highly sensitive problems has had direct and significant bearing on intelligence collection efforts and activities at all echelons of the Department of Defense. Additionally, he has been instrumental in enhancing and extending collection effectiveness, while significant fiscal and personal economies has been accomplished. Through his professional skill and outstanding performance of duty at a time of critical expansion of collection resources and the maturing of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Rear Admiral Harlfinger has made an immeasurable contribution to the effectiveness of the Department of Defense and the security of the Nation. His distinguished service was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Vice Admiral

Unit:

Command Support Programs, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Director, Command Support Programs, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from March 1971 through March 1974. During this period, Vice Admiral Harlfinger was responsible for establishing, organizing and directing the Office of Command Support Programs and for coordinating command support systems with related Navy combat systems. In addition, he was instrumental in the developing of a modernized communications capability that responds to national and fleet requirements and upgrading the quality of information available to Navy commanders from ocean surveillance, reconnaissance and signals exploitation programs. Further, Vice Admiral Harlfinger placed the Navy solidly in the nation's space programs by promoting space applications across the entire command support spectrum. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional initiative, outstanding managerial skill and professional competence in rendering extremely valuable and distinguished service, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."