Serial # 423427 UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
Flagship of the Commander-in-Chief
In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, takes great pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to:
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS HARVEY L. SIMONSON,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:"For extraordinary heroism during action against enemy Japanese forces in Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 27, 1943. While serving in action against the enemy on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, he advanced and infiltrated past the enemy. With utter disregard for his own safety, in the face of severe enemy fire, and against repeated attempts to dislodge him from his position, he killed sixteen Japanese and greatly aided his platoon in regaining contact with adjacent units. Later, when his company was relieved by another unit, he remained in position and continued fighting. Such conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against the enemy were in keeping with the highest traditions of naval service."C.W. Nimitz, Admiral, U.S. Navy
Harvey was also wounded in action on Guadalcanal. He died 21 July 2001.
Thanks to Ernie King for supplying this information!
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copyright 2001 T.O.T.W.
Created 28 July 2001
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