Vera Cruz Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Waco, Texas, he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in May 1885 and graduated in 1889. He was commissioned to the rank of ensign on July 1, 1891, the rank of lieutenant on March 5, 1899, and finally the rank of commander on January 14, 1911. He received the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915 for his actions during the US occupation of the port of Veracruz, Mexico, in response to the Tampico Affair of April 9, 1914, instigated when nine armed American sailors were arrested by the Mexican government for entering off-limit areas in Tampico, Tamaulipas. The text of his citation reads: "For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. During this period, Comdr. Harrison brought his ship into the inner harbor during the nights of the 21st and 22d without the assistance of a pilot or navigational lights, and was in a position on the morning of the 22d to use his guns with telling effect at a critical time." He retired from the United States Navy in 1918 and died in San Diego, California at the age of 58.
Vera Cruz Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Waco, Texas, he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in May 1885 and graduated in 1889. He was commissioned to the rank of ensign on July 1, 1891, the rank of lieutenant on March 5, 1899, and finally the rank of commander on January 14, 1911. He received the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915 for his actions during the US occupation of the port of Veracruz, Mexico, in response to the Tampico Affair of April 9, 1914, instigated when nine armed American sailors were arrested by the Mexican government for entering off-limit areas in Tampico, Tamaulipas. The text of his citation reads: "For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. During this period, Comdr. Harrison brought his ship into the inner harbor during the nights of the 21st and 22d without the assistance of a pilot or navigational lights, and was in a position on the morning of the 22d to use his guns with telling effect at a critical time." He retired from the United States Navy in 1918 and died in San Diego, California at the age of 58.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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