Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Awarded on:

February 9th, 1945

Citation:
"On the 27th Sept 1944 Flying Officer Harris accompanied by 2 airmen drove a jeep into the forward areas. As the party entered the village of Stradone they were fired at by snipers and compelled to leave the jeep and take cover in a nearby building. Shortly afterwards 4 Army stretcher bearers were also compelled to take cover close by. The enemy fire continued. Flying officer Harris led the two parties from the rear of the building in an attempt to get clear of the danger area. As they reached the mainroad heavy mortar fire was encountered. Flying Officer Harris was seriously wounded in the chest. All other members of his party with the exception of a corporal were wounded and some unable to walk. Flying Officer Harris assisted by the uninjured corporal walked back to the village and retrieved the jeep. Having been assisted into the seat Flying Officer Harris drove back to the injured personnel who were then conveyed to the nearest field dressing station some 4 miles away. On arrival Flying Officer Harris collapsed from loss of blood and the intense pain he had suffered. The outstanding courage, fortitude and devotion to duty displayed by this officer are worthy of high praise."

Published in the London Gazette dated 9th February 1945.