SSGT Larry Gene Harrison, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Williamston, NC.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SSG Harrison served our country until February 26th, 1971 in Cambodia. He was 23 years old and was married. Larry died when his helicopter crashed. His body was finally recovered in 2002. SSG Harrison is on panel 04W, line 007 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Mrs Ruby Britton Harrison, who is living with her Mother, Mrs Bernie Britton, on the Bear Grass Road just off U.S. 17 from the Fisher Harris store, received a telegram Friday saying her husband, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, 22, was last spotted in an observation position over enemy territory and that the helicopter in which he was serving as a crewman was shot down and apparently burned. It was not immediately known if there were any survivors but a search was reported under way. The young man, nephew of Mrs Rachel Latham of 206 Oak street, left here on January 5th for his second tour of duty in the Vietnam area, having been there two or three years ago. He has been in the service almost seven years and was stationed in Kentucky before going overseas. He was married last June.
Larry Gene Harrison served in the United States Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division. He was listed as Missing in Action until 2002 when his remains were identified and buried with Captain Jon Edward Swanson in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002.
It was my honor and privlige to remember this man. I have worn his name on my bracelet for over 1/2 of my life. I never met him but he went missing on my father's birthday the year I was born. His name has graced my life through some of the most momentous occasions - my prom, my graduations and my wedding. I would add my tears of joy and sorrow to those of his family and friends in welcoming him home. May they never be forgotten. Erin Leigh Anderson Chisenhall, Raleigh, NC.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division(Airmobile)who now rests in honored glory in Arlington National Cemetery 'Where Valor Proudly Sleeps'. He was accompanying Captain Jon Edward Swanson when they were lost on 26 Feb 1971. You are not forgotten, not shall you ever be.
The remains of former Boulder resident Captain Jon Swanson were laid to rest Friday morning at Arlington National Cemetery along with his flyng partner, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, in a ceremony 31 years in the making. About 75 people, including Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki, attended the funeral at Fort Myer Chapel near the grounds of the cemetery. Swanson and Harrison's helicopter was shot down over Cambodia in early 1971 during the Vietnam War, and their remains were only recently recovered. Swanson's daughter, Brigid Swanson-Jones, was the only person other than the chaplains to speak at short service. She thanked the Army for taking care of its own and never forgetting them, even after three decades.
Swanson-Jones, 33, looked at the flag draped casket holding the remains of both men and said, "Welcome home, Larry. Welcome home, Dad." Swanson's widow, Sandee Swanson, said she thought this day would never come. "You go through a year at a time, and after a while you figure that everything that could be done (in finding his body) has been done," she said. "I never knew people cared so much." The procession took a mile-and-a-half trip from the chapel to the gravesite on foot following the caisson drawn by white horses. Once at the grave site, the two fallen scout pilots were treated to military honors including a seven-man rifle company firing three volleys, a playing of "Taps" and flag presentations to the families.
Sandee Swanson said the family was told in February the remains had been recovered; however, due to the commingled condition of the bodies, separate burials would not be possible. The Swanson family had no problems with the joint burial, though this is the first time a Medal of Honor winner — which Jon Swanson was posthumously awarded Wednesday by President Bush — has been jointly buried at Arlington National Cemetery. After 31 years without her husband, Sandee Swanson said the ceremony was tougher than she thought it would be. "It was very hard to make it through the ceremony. I was over come with a lot of different feelings and emotions," she said. The entire week, including a trip to the Oval Office, has been an incredible experience for her, she said. "This was a wonder tribute for a wonderful man," she said. Sandee Swanson, joined by her daughters Swanson-Jones and Holly Walker, who now lives in the Washington area, knelt beside the coffin after service had ended to say their final goodbyes to a person they had not been able to even say "hello" to in 31 years.
Larry Gene Harrison was killed in the crash and explosion of the helicopter in which he was an observer. His pilot was Captain Joh Edward Swanson, who was also killed on the February 26, 1971 support mission into Cambodia. Their remains have been found and identified and were buried together with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002. Sergeant Harrison was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Captain Swanson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House on 2 May 2002.
http:www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
lgharrison.htm,
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
jeswanson.htm.
You are missed. You are greatly Missed! I love you. Your Niece, Linda Campbell, Nashville, TN, [email protected]
I have carried this MIA Bracelet for nearly 20 years. You have been remembered daily. I carried you throughout my military career, and together we came home every time. I only wish your loved ones could have felt the security you have given me for the past 20 years. De Oppresso Liber, Robert D. Manning US Army 12th Special Forces (ABN), Toledo, OR, [email protected].
SYNOPSIS: Jon Swanson was the pilot of an OH6A with Larry Harrison as observer on a visual reconnaissance mission, while providing close air support to an ambushed ARVN convoy in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. When the aircraft was flying at a low altitude marking enemy positions, it came under fire from two machine guns and was seen to burst into flames and crash. Another helicopter landed near the site, but was forced to take off when it came under heavy enemy fire. Repeated attempts by both ARVN ground troops and U.S. helicopters to reach the downed helicopter were thwarted by enemy fire. On February 27, U.S. helicopters returned to the area and saw what they believed to be two remains near the crash site. As late as March 7, the remains were observed near the crash site, but could not be recovered due to enemy fire. It was a common practice for communist troops to leave "bait" to lure other aircraft hoping to rescue downed aircrews into a hostile area. Because of the enemy presence in the area of the downed aircraft, it is possible that the bodies of Swanson and Harrison were used in this manner. Regardless, the U.S. Government believes that the enemy knows the fate of the two. Fifteen years after the war ended, the Cambodian government let it be known that they had the remains of nearly 100 Americans.
Unfortunately, the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with Cambodia and would not officially respond. Although several U.S. Congressmen have attempted to recover the remains of these Americans, the government of Cambodia clearly wishes an official request from the U.S. Government, which it is unwilling to give.
It is not thought that Americans captured by the Cambodian communists were allowed to survive, but were instead executed. As Vietnamese troops also coursed through Cambodia, as in Laos, however, a significant number of these downed pilots and crew might have been captured by the Vietnamese, thus escaping the post-war holocost caused by the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. The governments of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have been less than forthcoming in response to reports that they still hold American prisoners. The two Serviceman's remains were returned in 2002 for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
WILLIAMSTON - Funeral services for Staff Sgt Larry Gene Harrison, 23, who died, Feb 26, 1971 during the Vietnam War, will be held 3 P.M. Sunday, April 7, at Community Christian Church, officiated by Dale Minton. Burial will follow at Martin Memorial Gardens. Harrison, in Vietnam for a second tour of duty was killed in action when the helicopter he was in was shot down. He was serving with B troop 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was born, Jan. 3, 1948. His mother was the late Thelma Harrison Cullipher of Williamston. His father was the late Llyod Harrison of Scotland Neck. He attended school in Williamston before he joined the U.S. Army. He was married to Ruby Britton of Williamston on June 6, 1970. They returned to Kentucky where he was stationed at Fort Knox. Survivors include his widow, Ruby B. Harrison Nicholson, and a son, Larry G. Harrison, Jr., both of Williamston; two brothers, William F. of Plymouth and Billy of Princeton; and three sisters, Mrs. Shirley Brinson of Scotland Neck, Mrs. Marie Viverette of Enfield, and Mrs. Geneva Davis of Abilene, Texas. The family will receive friends 7-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Biggs Funeral Home, Williamston. Arrangements by Biggs Funeral Home.
SSG Lary Gene Harrison died along with Congressional Medal Of Honor Awardee Capt Joe E Swanson
He served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division, USARV.
He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), The Silver Star Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds with One Oak Leaf Cluster, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal(s), The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Expert Rifleman's Badge for pistol and Marksman Rifleman's Badge for rifle.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SSG Harrison served our country until February 26th, 1971 in Cambodia. He was 23 years old and was married. Larry died when his helicopter crashed. His body was finally recovered in 2002. SSG Harrison is on panel 04W, line 007 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Mrs Ruby Britton Harrison, who is living with her Mother, Mrs Bernie Britton, on the Bear Grass Road just off U.S. 17 from the Fisher Harris store, received a telegram Friday saying her husband, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, 22, was last spotted in an observation position over enemy territory and that the helicopter in which he was serving as a crewman was shot down and apparently burned. It was not immediately known if there were any survivors but a search was reported under way. The young man, nephew of Mrs Rachel Latham of 206 Oak street, left here on January 5th for his second tour of duty in the Vietnam area, having been there two or three years ago. He has been in the service almost seven years and was stationed in Kentucky before going overseas. He was married last June.
Larry Gene Harrison served in the United States Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division. He was listed as Missing in Action until 2002 when his remains were identified and buried with Captain Jon Edward Swanson in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002.
It was my honor and privlige to remember this man. I have worn his name on my bracelet for over 1/2 of my life. I never met him but he went missing on my father's birthday the year I was born. His name has graced my life through some of the most momentous occasions - my prom, my graduations and my wedding. I would add my tears of joy and sorrow to those of his family and friends in welcoming him home. May they never be forgotten. Erin Leigh Anderson Chisenhall, Raleigh, NC.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division(Airmobile)who now rests in honored glory in Arlington National Cemetery 'Where Valor Proudly Sleeps'. He was accompanying Captain Jon Edward Swanson when they were lost on 26 Feb 1971. You are not forgotten, not shall you ever be.
The remains of former Boulder resident Captain Jon Swanson were laid to rest Friday morning at Arlington National Cemetery along with his flyng partner, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, in a ceremony 31 years in the making. About 75 people, including Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki, attended the funeral at Fort Myer Chapel near the grounds of the cemetery. Swanson and Harrison's helicopter was shot down over Cambodia in early 1971 during the Vietnam War, and their remains were only recently recovered. Swanson's daughter, Brigid Swanson-Jones, was the only person other than the chaplains to speak at short service. She thanked the Army for taking care of its own and never forgetting them, even after three decades.
Swanson-Jones, 33, looked at the flag draped casket holding the remains of both men and said, "Welcome home, Larry. Welcome home, Dad." Swanson's widow, Sandee Swanson, said she thought this day would never come. "You go through a year at a time, and after a while you figure that everything that could be done (in finding his body) has been done," she said. "I never knew people cared so much." The procession took a mile-and-a-half trip from the chapel to the gravesite on foot following the caisson drawn by white horses. Once at the grave site, the two fallen scout pilots were treated to military honors including a seven-man rifle company firing three volleys, a playing of "Taps" and flag presentations to the families.
Sandee Swanson said the family was told in February the remains had been recovered; however, due to the commingled condition of the bodies, separate burials would not be possible. The Swanson family had no problems with the joint burial, though this is the first time a Medal of Honor winner — which Jon Swanson was posthumously awarded Wednesday by President Bush — has been jointly buried at Arlington National Cemetery. After 31 years without her husband, Sandee Swanson said the ceremony was tougher than she thought it would be. "It was very hard to make it through the ceremony. I was over come with a lot of different feelings and emotions," she said. The entire week, including a trip to the Oval Office, has been an incredible experience for her, she said. "This was a wonder tribute for a wonderful man," she said. Sandee Swanson, joined by her daughters Swanson-Jones and Holly Walker, who now lives in the Washington area, knelt beside the coffin after service had ended to say their final goodbyes to a person they had not been able to even say "hello" to in 31 years.
Larry Gene Harrison was killed in the crash and explosion of the helicopter in which he was an observer. His pilot was Captain Joh Edward Swanson, who was also killed on the February 26, 1971 support mission into Cambodia. Their remains have been found and identified and were buried together with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002. Sergeant Harrison was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Captain Swanson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House on 2 May 2002.
http:www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
lgharrison.htm,
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
jeswanson.htm.
You are missed. You are greatly Missed! I love you. Your Niece, Linda Campbell, Nashville, TN, [email protected]
I have carried this MIA Bracelet for nearly 20 years. You have been remembered daily. I carried you throughout my military career, and together we came home every time. I only wish your loved ones could have felt the security you have given me for the past 20 years. De Oppresso Liber, Robert D. Manning US Army 12th Special Forces (ABN), Toledo, OR, [email protected].
SYNOPSIS: Jon Swanson was the pilot of an OH6A with Larry Harrison as observer on a visual reconnaissance mission, while providing close air support to an ambushed ARVN convoy in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. When the aircraft was flying at a low altitude marking enemy positions, it came under fire from two machine guns and was seen to burst into flames and crash. Another helicopter landed near the site, but was forced to take off when it came under heavy enemy fire. Repeated attempts by both ARVN ground troops and U.S. helicopters to reach the downed helicopter were thwarted by enemy fire. On February 27, U.S. helicopters returned to the area and saw what they believed to be two remains near the crash site. As late as March 7, the remains were observed near the crash site, but could not be recovered due to enemy fire. It was a common practice for communist troops to leave "bait" to lure other aircraft hoping to rescue downed aircrews into a hostile area. Because of the enemy presence in the area of the downed aircraft, it is possible that the bodies of Swanson and Harrison were used in this manner. Regardless, the U.S. Government believes that the enemy knows the fate of the two. Fifteen years after the war ended, the Cambodian government let it be known that they had the remains of nearly 100 Americans.
Unfortunately, the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with Cambodia and would not officially respond. Although several U.S. Congressmen have attempted to recover the remains of these Americans, the government of Cambodia clearly wishes an official request from the U.S. Government, which it is unwilling to give.
It is not thought that Americans captured by the Cambodian communists were allowed to survive, but were instead executed. As Vietnamese troops also coursed through Cambodia, as in Laos, however, a significant number of these downed pilots and crew might have been captured by the Vietnamese, thus escaping the post-war holocost caused by the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. The governments of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have been less than forthcoming in response to reports that they still hold American prisoners. The two Serviceman's remains were returned in 2002 for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
WILLIAMSTON - Funeral services for Staff Sgt Larry Gene Harrison, 23, who died, Feb 26, 1971 during the Vietnam War, will be held 3 P.M. Sunday, April 7, at Community Christian Church, officiated by Dale Minton. Burial will follow at Martin Memorial Gardens. Harrison, in Vietnam for a second tour of duty was killed in action when the helicopter he was in was shot down. He was serving with B troop 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was born, Jan. 3, 1948. His mother was the late Thelma Harrison Cullipher of Williamston. His father was the late Llyod Harrison of Scotland Neck. He attended school in Williamston before he joined the U.S. Army. He was married to Ruby Britton of Williamston on June 6, 1970. They returned to Kentucky where he was stationed at Fort Knox. Survivors include his widow, Ruby B. Harrison Nicholson, and a son, Larry G. Harrison, Jr., both of Williamston; two brothers, William F. of Plymouth and Billy of Princeton; and three sisters, Mrs. Shirley Brinson of Scotland Neck, Mrs. Marie Viverette of Enfield, and Mrs. Geneva Davis of Abilene, Texas. The family will receive friends 7-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Biggs Funeral Home, Williamston. Arrangements by Biggs Funeral Home.
SSG Lary Gene Harrison died along with Congressional Medal Of Honor Awardee Capt Joe E Swanson
He served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division, USARV.
He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), The Silver Star Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds with One Oak Leaf Cluster, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal(s), The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Expert Rifleman's Badge for pistol and Marksman Rifleman's Badge for rifle.
SSGT Larry Gene Harrison, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Williamston, NC.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SSG Harrison served our country until February 26th, 1971 in Cambodia. He was 23 years old and was married. Larry died when his helicopter crashed. His body was finally recovered in 2002. SSG Harrison is on panel 04W, line 007 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Mrs Ruby Britton Harrison, who is living with her Mother, Mrs Bernie Britton, on the Bear Grass Road just off U.S. 17 from the Fisher Harris store, received a telegram Friday saying her husband, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, 22, was last spotted in an observation position over enemy territory and that the helicopter in which he was serving as a crewman was shot down and apparently burned. It was not immediately known if there were any survivors but a search was reported under way. The young man, nephew of Mrs Rachel Latham of 206 Oak street, left here on January 5th for his second tour of duty in the Vietnam area, having been there two or three years ago. He has been in the service almost seven years and was stationed in Kentucky before going overseas. He was married last June.
Larry Gene Harrison served in the United States Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division. He was listed as Missing in Action until 2002 when his remains were identified and buried with Captain Jon Edward Swanson in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002.
It was my honor and privlige to remember this man. I have worn his name on my bracelet for over 1/2 of my life. I never met him but he went missing on my father's birthday the year I was born. His name has graced my life through some of the most momentous occasions - my prom, my graduations and my wedding. I would add my tears of joy and sorrow to those of his family and friends in welcoming him home. May they never be forgotten. Erin Leigh Anderson Chisenhall, Raleigh, NC.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division(Airmobile)who now rests in honored glory in Arlington National Cemetery 'Where Valor Proudly Sleeps'. He was accompanying Captain Jon Edward Swanson when they were lost on 26 Feb 1971. You are not forgotten, not shall you ever be.
The remains of former Boulder resident Captain Jon Swanson were laid to rest Friday morning at Arlington National Cemetery along with his flyng partner, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, in a ceremony 31 years in the making. About 75 people, including Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki, attended the funeral at Fort Myer Chapel near the grounds of the cemetery. Swanson and Harrison's helicopter was shot down over Cambodia in early 1971 during the Vietnam War, and their remains were only recently recovered. Swanson's daughter, Brigid Swanson-Jones, was the only person other than the chaplains to speak at short service. She thanked the Army for taking care of its own and never forgetting them, even after three decades.
Swanson-Jones, 33, looked at the flag draped casket holding the remains of both men and said, "Welcome home, Larry. Welcome home, Dad." Swanson's widow, Sandee Swanson, said she thought this day would never come. "You go through a year at a time, and after a while you figure that everything that could be done (in finding his body) has been done," she said. "I never knew people cared so much." The procession took a mile-and-a-half trip from the chapel to the gravesite on foot following the caisson drawn by white horses. Once at the grave site, the two fallen scout pilots were treated to military honors including a seven-man rifle company firing three volleys, a playing of "Taps" and flag presentations to the families.
Sandee Swanson said the family was told in February the remains had been recovered; however, due to the commingled condition of the bodies, separate burials would not be possible. The Swanson family had no problems with the joint burial, though this is the first time a Medal of Honor winner — which Jon Swanson was posthumously awarded Wednesday by President Bush — has been jointly buried at Arlington National Cemetery. After 31 years without her husband, Sandee Swanson said the ceremony was tougher than she thought it would be. "It was very hard to make it through the ceremony. I was over come with a lot of different feelings and emotions," she said. The entire week, including a trip to the Oval Office, has been an incredible experience for her, she said. "This was a wonder tribute for a wonderful man," she said. Sandee Swanson, joined by her daughters Swanson-Jones and Holly Walker, who now lives in the Washington area, knelt beside the coffin after service had ended to say their final goodbyes to a person they had not been able to even say "hello" to in 31 years.
Larry Gene Harrison was killed in the crash and explosion of the helicopter in which he was an observer. His pilot was Captain Joh Edward Swanson, who was also killed on the February 26, 1971 support mission into Cambodia. Their remains have been found and identified and were buried together with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002. Sergeant Harrison was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Captain Swanson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House on 2 May 2002.
http:www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
lgharrison.htm,
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
jeswanson.htm.
You are missed. You are greatly Missed! I love you. Your Niece, Linda Campbell, Nashville, TN, [email protected]
I have carried this MIA Bracelet for nearly 20 years. You have been remembered daily. I carried you throughout my military career, and together we came home every time. I only wish your loved ones could have felt the security you have given me for the past 20 years. De Oppresso Liber, Robert D. Manning US Army 12th Special Forces (ABN), Toledo, OR, [email protected].
SYNOPSIS: Jon Swanson was the pilot of an OH6A with Larry Harrison as observer on a visual reconnaissance mission, while providing close air support to an ambushed ARVN convoy in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. When the aircraft was flying at a low altitude marking enemy positions, it came under fire from two machine guns and was seen to burst into flames and crash. Another helicopter landed near the site, but was forced to take off when it came under heavy enemy fire. Repeated attempts by both ARVN ground troops and U.S. helicopters to reach the downed helicopter were thwarted by enemy fire. On February 27, U.S. helicopters returned to the area and saw what they believed to be two remains near the crash site. As late as March 7, the remains were observed near the crash site, but could not be recovered due to enemy fire. It was a common practice for communist troops to leave "bait" to lure other aircraft hoping to rescue downed aircrews into a hostile area. Because of the enemy presence in the area of the downed aircraft, it is possible that the bodies of Swanson and Harrison were used in this manner. Regardless, the U.S. Government believes that the enemy knows the fate of the two. Fifteen years after the war ended, the Cambodian government let it be known that they had the remains of nearly 100 Americans.
Unfortunately, the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with Cambodia and would not officially respond. Although several U.S. Congressmen have attempted to recover the remains of these Americans, the government of Cambodia clearly wishes an official request from the U.S. Government, which it is unwilling to give.
It is not thought that Americans captured by the Cambodian communists were allowed to survive, but were instead executed. As Vietnamese troops also coursed through Cambodia, as in Laos, however, a significant number of these downed pilots and crew might have been captured by the Vietnamese, thus escaping the post-war holocost caused by the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. The governments of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have been less than forthcoming in response to reports that they still hold American prisoners. The two Serviceman's remains were returned in 2002 for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
WILLIAMSTON - Funeral services for Staff Sgt Larry Gene Harrison, 23, who died, Feb 26, 1971 during the Vietnam War, will be held 3 P.M. Sunday, April 7, at Community Christian Church, officiated by Dale Minton. Burial will follow at Martin Memorial Gardens. Harrison, in Vietnam for a second tour of duty was killed in action when the helicopter he was in was shot down. He was serving with B troop 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was born, Jan. 3, 1948. His mother was the late Thelma Harrison Cullipher of Williamston. His father was the late Llyod Harrison of Scotland Neck. He attended school in Williamston before he joined the U.S. Army. He was married to Ruby Britton of Williamston on June 6, 1970. They returned to Kentucky where he was stationed at Fort Knox. Survivors include his widow, Ruby B. Harrison Nicholson, and a son, Larry G. Harrison, Jr., both of Williamston; two brothers, William F. of Plymouth and Billy of Princeton; and three sisters, Mrs. Shirley Brinson of Scotland Neck, Mrs. Marie Viverette of Enfield, and Mrs. Geneva Davis of Abilene, Texas. The family will receive friends 7-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Biggs Funeral Home, Williamston. Arrangements by Biggs Funeral Home.
SSG Lary Gene Harrison died along with Congressional Medal Of Honor Awardee Capt Joe E Swanson
He served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division, USARV.
He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), The Silver Star Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds with One Oak Leaf Cluster, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal(s), The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Expert Rifleman's Badge for pistol and Marksman Rifleman's Badge for rifle.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SSG Harrison served our country until February 26th, 1971 in Cambodia. He was 23 years old and was married. Larry died when his helicopter crashed. His body was finally recovered in 2002. SSG Harrison is on panel 04W, line 007 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Mrs Ruby Britton Harrison, who is living with her Mother, Mrs Bernie Britton, on the Bear Grass Road just off U.S. 17 from the Fisher Harris store, received a telegram Friday saying her husband, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, 22, was last spotted in an observation position over enemy territory and that the helicopter in which he was serving as a crewman was shot down and apparently burned. It was not immediately known if there were any survivors but a search was reported under way. The young man, nephew of Mrs Rachel Latham of 206 Oak street, left here on January 5th for his second tour of duty in the Vietnam area, having been there two or three years ago. He has been in the service almost seven years and was stationed in Kentucky before going overseas. He was married last June.
Larry Gene Harrison served in the United States Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division. He was listed as Missing in Action until 2002 when his remains were identified and buried with Captain Jon Edward Swanson in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002.
It was my honor and privlige to remember this man. I have worn his name on my bracelet for over 1/2 of my life. I never met him but he went missing on my father's birthday the year I was born. His name has graced my life through some of the most momentous occasions - my prom, my graduations and my wedding. I would add my tears of joy and sorrow to those of his family and friends in welcoming him home. May they never be forgotten. Erin Leigh Anderson Chisenhall, Raleigh, NC.
Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division(Airmobile)who now rests in honored glory in Arlington National Cemetery 'Where Valor Proudly Sleeps'. He was accompanying Captain Jon Edward Swanson when they were lost on 26 Feb 1971. You are not forgotten, not shall you ever be.
The remains of former Boulder resident Captain Jon Swanson were laid to rest Friday morning at Arlington National Cemetery along with his flyng partner, Staff Sergeant Larry Gene Harrison, in a ceremony 31 years in the making. About 75 people, including Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki, attended the funeral at Fort Myer Chapel near the grounds of the cemetery. Swanson and Harrison's helicopter was shot down over Cambodia in early 1971 during the Vietnam War, and their remains were only recently recovered. Swanson's daughter, Brigid Swanson-Jones, was the only person other than the chaplains to speak at short service. She thanked the Army for taking care of its own and never forgetting them, even after three decades.
Swanson-Jones, 33, looked at the flag draped casket holding the remains of both men and said, "Welcome home, Larry. Welcome home, Dad." Swanson's widow, Sandee Swanson, said she thought this day would never come. "You go through a year at a time, and after a while you figure that everything that could be done (in finding his body) has been done," she said. "I never knew people cared so much." The procession took a mile-and-a-half trip from the chapel to the gravesite on foot following the caisson drawn by white horses. Once at the grave site, the two fallen scout pilots were treated to military honors including a seven-man rifle company firing three volleys, a playing of "Taps" and flag presentations to the families.
Sandee Swanson said the family was told in February the remains had been recovered; however, due to the commingled condition of the bodies, separate burials would not be possible. The Swanson family had no problems with the joint burial, though this is the first time a Medal of Honor winner — which Jon Swanson was posthumously awarded Wednesday by President Bush — has been jointly buried at Arlington National Cemetery. After 31 years without her husband, Sandee Swanson said the ceremony was tougher than she thought it would be. "It was very hard to make it through the ceremony. I was over come with a lot of different feelings and emotions," she said. The entire week, including a trip to the Oval Office, has been an incredible experience for her, she said. "This was a wonder tribute for a wonderful man," she said. Sandee Swanson, joined by her daughters Swanson-Jones and Holly Walker, who now lives in the Washington area, knelt beside the coffin after service had ended to say their final goodbyes to a person they had not been able to even say "hello" to in 31 years.
Larry Gene Harrison was killed in the crash and explosion of the helicopter in which he was an observer. His pilot was Captain Joh Edward Swanson, who was also killed on the February 26, 1971 support mission into Cambodia. Their remains have been found and identified and were buried together with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on 2 May 2002. Sergeant Harrison was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Captain Swanson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House on 2 May 2002.
http:www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
lgharrison.htm,
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/
jeswanson.htm.
You are missed. You are greatly Missed! I love you. Your Niece, Linda Campbell, Nashville, TN, [email protected]
I have carried this MIA Bracelet for nearly 20 years. You have been remembered daily. I carried you throughout my military career, and together we came home every time. I only wish your loved ones could have felt the security you have given me for the past 20 years. De Oppresso Liber, Robert D. Manning US Army 12th Special Forces (ABN), Toledo, OR, [email protected].
SYNOPSIS: Jon Swanson was the pilot of an OH6A with Larry Harrison as observer on a visual reconnaissance mission, while providing close air support to an ambushed ARVN convoy in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. When the aircraft was flying at a low altitude marking enemy positions, it came under fire from two machine guns and was seen to burst into flames and crash. Another helicopter landed near the site, but was forced to take off when it came under heavy enemy fire. Repeated attempts by both ARVN ground troops and U.S. helicopters to reach the downed helicopter were thwarted by enemy fire. On February 27, U.S. helicopters returned to the area and saw what they believed to be two remains near the crash site. As late as March 7, the remains were observed near the crash site, but could not be recovered due to enemy fire. It was a common practice for communist troops to leave "bait" to lure other aircraft hoping to rescue downed aircrews into a hostile area. Because of the enemy presence in the area of the downed aircraft, it is possible that the bodies of Swanson and Harrison were used in this manner. Regardless, the U.S. Government believes that the enemy knows the fate of the two. Fifteen years after the war ended, the Cambodian government let it be known that they had the remains of nearly 100 Americans.
Unfortunately, the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with Cambodia and would not officially respond. Although several U.S. Congressmen have attempted to recover the remains of these Americans, the government of Cambodia clearly wishes an official request from the U.S. Government, which it is unwilling to give.
It is not thought that Americans captured by the Cambodian communists were allowed to survive, but were instead executed. As Vietnamese troops also coursed through Cambodia, as in Laos, however, a significant number of these downed pilots and crew might have been captured by the Vietnamese, thus escaping the post-war holocost caused by the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. The governments of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have been less than forthcoming in response to reports that they still hold American prisoners. The two Serviceman's remains were returned in 2002 for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
WILLIAMSTON - Funeral services for Staff Sgt Larry Gene Harrison, 23, who died, Feb 26, 1971 during the Vietnam War, will be held 3 P.M. Sunday, April 7, at Community Christian Church, officiated by Dale Minton. Burial will follow at Martin Memorial Gardens. Harrison, in Vietnam for a second tour of duty was killed in action when the helicopter he was in was shot down. He was serving with B troop 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was born, Jan. 3, 1948. His mother was the late Thelma Harrison Cullipher of Williamston. His father was the late Llyod Harrison of Scotland Neck. He attended school in Williamston before he joined the U.S. Army. He was married to Ruby Britton of Williamston on June 6, 1970. They returned to Kentucky where he was stationed at Fort Knox. Survivors include his widow, Ruby B. Harrison Nicholson, and a son, Larry G. Harrison, Jr., both of Williamston; two brothers, William F. of Plymouth and Billy of Princeton; and three sisters, Mrs. Shirley Brinson of Scotland Neck, Mrs. Marie Viverette of Enfield, and Mrs. Geneva Davis of Abilene, Texas. The family will receive friends 7-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Biggs Funeral Home, Williamston. Arrangements by Biggs Funeral Home.
SSG Lary Gene Harrison died along with Congressional Medal Of Honor Awardee Capt Joe E Swanson
He served with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th United States Cavlary, 1st Cavalry Division, USARV.
He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), The Silver Star Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds with One Oak Leaf Cluster, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal(s), The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Expert Rifleman's Badge for pistol and Marksman Rifleman's Badge for rifle.
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