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name
HARRIS, Kenneth L - Date of
birth
1923 -
Age
unknown - Place of
birth
Michigan -
Hometown
Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
16111280 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
G Company,
3rd Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
82nd Airborne Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
30 April 1945 - Place of
death
Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| I | 13 | 1 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Ray H. Harris (father)
Erna M. (Carpenter) Harris (mother)
Joseph Harris (brother)
Donald R. Harris (brother)
Audrey F. Harris (sister)
More information
Pvt Kenneth L. Harris graduated from Port Huron High School.He enlisted in Detroit, Michigan on 5 October 1942 and was sent overseas in July 1943.
He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in the Mediterranean theater of operations. The citation cited: Pvt Harris held and helped drive back a superior force of the enemy while under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire of German infantry and in the face of counter attacks led by a German tank unit. Pvt Harris armed with only a bazooka, crawled forward to within 60 yards of advancing German Mark VI tanks, and after firing one short round, placed his second, third and fourth rounds on the body and turret of the tank. His ammunition expended, Pvt Harris crawled to cover as the tanks came directly to him and passed by. Harris coolly and courageously displayed exceptional gallantry in action throughout the day's fighting and his courageous action helped achieve success in the face of superior odds.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, ww.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - 1930/1940 Census, www.newspapers.com - The Times Herald
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Ralph Peeters, www.newspapers.com - The Times Herald - 18 January 1944