Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (1st. Lieutenant)

Unit:

Ordnance Department, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army (Ordnance Department, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John E. Harbert, First Lieutenant (Ordnance), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Ordnance Department, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 November 1943, near Cape Sudest, New Guinea. When enemy airplanes attacked and set fire to a small ship, First Lieutenant Harbert organized a party of men to pull to shore a barge loaded with men and ammunition. Throughout repeated strafing by hostile planes, he refused to take cover and continued his efforts. When flaming debris from explosions of munitions aboard the ship fell on the barge, he remained aboard and personally assisted in throwing the fragments overboard and in extinguishing the flames. His courage and calmness set a heroic example to men who had sought cover and so steadied and inspired them that work was resumed and the unloading of the badly needed ammunition on the barge was successfully accomplished. First Lieutenant Harbert's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 64 (28 December 1942).