Charles Joyne Harris

1st Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 52820 (January 17, 1946)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Charles Joyne Harris (MCSN: 0-18009), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 4 June 1945.
Determined to relieve the pressure on flanking units pinned down on the beaches with enfilading fire from strongly entrenched enemy positions on a steep hill, First Lieutenant Harris courageously led his platoon in a frontal attack across the bullet swept terrain in an attempt to drive the fanatic Japanese from their commanding positions.
Undeterred when the first onslaught was repulsed by the deadly fire of the desperate hostile defenders, he staunchly reorganized his remaining men and, calling for additional supporting fire which by this time was not available, relentlessly charged again at the head of his valiant group to rout the enemy force.
Mortally wounded, he refused aid until the other casualties had first been treated; permitting his evacuation only after the position had been firmly secured.
By his indomitable fighting spirit and resolute devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, First Lieutenant Harris upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.