This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Harrison, William Kelly (MOH), CDR USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Waco
Last Address San Diego, California
Date of Passing Aug 15, 1928
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
On April 20, 1914, Congress authorized the occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, to "obtain the fullest recognition of the rights and dignity of the United States." On the night of April 21 Commander Harrison distinguished himself by bringing his ship into the inner harbor without the assistance of a pilot or navigational aids. He had his ship in position on the morning of the twenty-second to use his guns with telling effect.
Citation:
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.
Other Comments:
Born at Waco, Texas, July 30, 1870, Commander Harrison was awarded the Medal of Honor for service at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on April 21-22, 1914. The Medal was actually issued to him on December 4, 1915.
The Commander died on August 15, 1928 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Kate H. Harrison, August 22, 1872-March 29, 1967, is buried with him.
Note: His son, William Kelly Harrison, Jr., graduated from West Point in 1917 and retired from the Army as a Lieutenant General in 1957.
NEC 111X-Unrestricted Line Officer - Surface Warfare
Base, Station or City Not Specified
State/Country Not Specified
Patch
USS Minnesota (BB-22) Details
Connecticut Class Battleship: Displacement 16,000 Tons, Dimensions, 456' 4" (oa) x 76' 10" x 26' 9" (Max). Armament 4 x 12"/45 8 x 8"/45, 12 x 7"/45, 20 x 3"/50, 4 21" tt. Armor, 9" Belt, 12" Turrets, 3" Decks, 9" Conning Tower. Machinery, 16,500 HP; 2 vertical, triple expansion engines, 2 screws. Speed, 18 Knots, Crew 881.
Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Newport News, Shipbuilding, Newport News, Newport News, VA., October 27 1903. Launched April 8 1905. Commissioned March 9 1907. Decommissioned December 1 1921. Stricken November 10 1923.
Fate: Broken Up for scrap at the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard in 1924.
Other Memories On July 1, 1905, Harrison was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He received instruction in navigation from the Bureau of Equipment's Compass Office, and served as Navigator for the U.S.S. Minnesota, part of the Great White Fleet, during its 1907-1909 circumnavigation of the globe.
