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Contact Info
Home Town Knoxville, TN
Last Address San Diego, CA
Date of Passing May 11, 1962
Location of Interment Rosecrans National Cemetery (VA) - San Diego, California
Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War I
Service: Navy
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William Keene Harrill, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession. During the mine laying operations in the North Sea during World War I, Lieutenant Harrill, as Aide on my staff was responsible for the maintenance and operation of radio and signal communications of the mine laying vessels and naval vessels arriving in the north of Scotland. His energy, zeal, and foresight enabled the vessels to adjust themselves to the new conditions of operations and adopt the foreign codes and ciphers without mishap or interruption. On account of my very small staff it was necessary to utilize this officer for much additional duty in connection with the planning and execution of the mine-laying operations. Later, during the mine sweeping operations as the Senior Officer present on my staff, he was charged with the details of the administration of a force consisting of 50 to 75 vessels. His devotion, zeal, and relentless efforts in this responsible position highly merit the award recommended.
