This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Don Lewis (Redneck), AECS
to remember
Basore Jr., Harry, CAPT USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Date of Passing Aug 02, 2011
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Harry Harrison Basore (NSN: 0-83384), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane as Acting Commanding officer of Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-FOUR (VF-74), attached to the U.S.S. KASAAN BAY (CVE-69), during the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944. In the period 15 August 1944, until 30 August 1944, Lieutenant Basore led with great skill and courage, ten offensive missions against enemy strong-points, motorized concentrations, and lines of communications. These flights were made in the face of intense, accurate gunfire from the ground but, nevertheless, were successful in causing large damage and creating much confusion among the enemy. While the leader of an eight-plane flight up the Rhone River on 27 August 1944, Lieutenant Basore made a solo reconnoitering run through heavy gunfire in the vicinity of Montelimar at an extremely low altitude in order to obtain needed information on the identity and movements of a heavy concentration of enemy motor transports in that area. This information could not be obtained from a safe altitude and he, refusing to endanger the pilots under his command, voluntarily directed them to remain aloft while he dove his plane at high speed through intense fire to a low altitude. Although his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Basore obtained and accurately reported by radio, the desired information and subsequently returned safely with his flight to his carrier. As a direct result of his heroism and exceptional airmanship, valuable information concerning the movements of enemy ground forces was promptly reported. The skillful airmanship, courageous and determined action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Basore were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. General Orders: Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5674 (November 16, 1944) Action Date: August 15 - 30, 1944 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Company: Fighting Squadron 74 (VF-74) Division: U.S.S. Kasaan Bay (CVE-69)
Other Comments:
i put him in this unit for its entire duration until i get more info from Capt. Basore then will make the necessary changes
Obituary: Nov 16, 2011
Harry Harrison Basore Jr. died August 2, 2011 at the age of 95. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 6, 2011, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224. Visitation will be from 12 – 1:00 PM, with services immediately following. Interment will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The College of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726. Harry was born June 22, 1916 in Kingston, Arkansas. He attended high school at The School of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO. He continued his education at Drury College in Springfield, MO where he received a basketball scholarship. In 1939 he enlisted in the United States Navy. Harry was commissioned and appointed Naval Aviator in August 1940. His squadron VF-74 flying from the USS Kasaan Bay provided support in the Normandy invasion during WWII for which Harry was awarded the French Croix der Guerre with Silver Star and the Navy Cross. Harry retired with the rank of Captain. After his service in the Navy, Harry returned to Kansas City and became President of W.C. Wiedenmann & Son, a sheet metal contracting firm. While at his home in Leawood he was an active volunteer for the Leawood Fire Department, serving as Assistant Chief for many years. Harry also remained involved with his alma mater, College of the Ozarks and served as chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of The Ozarks Alumni Association. He was a member of the Association of Naval Aviation, Mo-Kan Squadron. Harry had been residing at Grace Gardens Assisted Living and the family greatly appreciates the care and support of the staff and fellow residents. Harry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Shirley. He is survived by his children, Harry Basore III, Carlene Chrisman and husband Byron, William Basore and Wife Jean, grandchildren Hilary Peterson and husband Shawn Amerine, Garth Petersen and wife Crystall, Trevor Petersen, Jamie Petersen, Allison Panos and husband Ben, Thomas Basore, Tori Basore and four great-grand children. He is also survived by sisters Harriette Reuter and Josephine Harrison. Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Overland Park, Kansas 66210 (785) 451-1860. www.johnsoncountychapel.com
Harry Harrison Basore Jr. died August 2, 2011 at the age of 95. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 6, 2011, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224. Visitation will be from 12 – 1:00 PM, with services immediately following. Interment will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The College of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726. Harry was born June 22, 1916 in Kingston, Arkansas. He attended high school at The School of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO. He continued his education at Drury College in Springfield, MO where he received a basketball scholarship. In 1939 he enlisted in the 
