LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN E. HARRIS, 0370107, Infantry, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United
States Army. On 29 September 1951, the 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, was attack-
ing strong enemy positions near Chorwon, Korea. When the attack tended to falter
and become disorganized, Colonel HARRIS, with complete disregard for his safety,
moved across more than 5oo yards of open terrain, rocked by intense hostile ar-
tillery, mortar and small arms fire to establish his observation post on line
with the attacking elements, from where he was able to rally the wavering men
and consolidate the position for the night. The following day, he personally
directed and advanced with the rifle elements to the point where the attack
gained the momentum necessary to accomplish the mission., During the advance,
Colonel HARRIS was constantly exposed and subjected to hostile fire from auto-
matic weapons and mortars; however, he undauntedly continued to direct the at-
tack. For the remainder of the engagement, Colonel HARRIS operated from a for-
ward position, much nearer to attacking elements than necessary, in order to
maintain immediate control. The gallant leadership and exemplary courage dis-
played by Colonel HARRIS reflect the highest credit upon himself and the mili-
tary service. Entered the military service from the State of New York.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3^rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 -National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.

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