United States Army Officer. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, having placed number 5 despite being one of the youngest in his class (his class graduated in August 1917 due to the impending American involvement in the conflict in Europe). He was commissioned a Captain in the 6th Engineers. Sent to Europe in advance of his division (the Third Infantry Division), he served in combat operations from March 1918 until he was killed in October 1918. On the 20th of that month, he led two companies in support of infantry, who were directed to capture an area of occupied woods. He led his men through barbwire, then was shot and mortally wounded through the lungs. Captured by German forces, he was taken to an aid station, where he died. The Germans respectfully buried, and properly marked his grave. He was later removed to lie in his family plot in Princeton, New Jersey, and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He was the son of Major General Peter C. Harris.
United States Army Officer. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, having placed number 5 despite being one of the youngest in his class (his class graduated in August 1917 due to the impending American involvement in the conflict in Europe). He was commissioned a Captain in the 6th Engineers. Sent to Europe in advance of his division (the Third Infantry Division), he served in combat operations from March 1918 until he was killed in October 1918. On the 20th of that month, he led two companies in support of infantry, who were directed to capture an area of occupied woods. He led his men through barbwire, then was shot and mortally wounded through the lungs. Captured by German forces, he was taken to an aid station, where he died. The Germans respectfully buried, and properly marked his grave. He was later removed to lie in his family plot in Princeton, New Jersey, and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He was the son of Major General Peter C. Harris.
