Leonard Roy Harmon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard Roy Harmon
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A 1943 poster in honor of Harmon.
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| Born | January 21, 1917 Cuero, Texas, United States |
| Died | November 23, 1942 (aged 25) Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1939–1942 |
| Rank | Messman First Class |
| Unit | USS San Francisco |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards | Navy Cross Purple Heart |
Leonard Roy Harmon was an American sailor who showed incredible bravery during World War II. He was born on January 21, 1917, and sadly passed away on November 13, 1942, while serving his country. For his amazing courage, he received the Navy Cross award after his death. He made history as the first African-American man to have a United States warship, the USS Harmon (DE-678), named in his honor.
Contents
Leonard Roy Harmon was born in Cuero, Texas, on January 21, 1917. He went to Daule High School, which was a school just for black students at that time. After school, he worked with farm animals. During a tough time called the Great Depression, he also helped out with chores at a historic home in Cuero.
When he was 22, in June 1939, Harmon joined the United States Navy. He went for training in Norfolk, Virginia. Then, on October 28, 1939, he started his duty on a large ship called the cruiser USS San Francisco.
In the Navy, Harmon trained to be a Mess Attendant. This was one of the few jobs available to black men in the Navy back then. His main job was to serve food to the officers and crew on the ship.
However, like all sailors, he also learned important skills. He was trained in damage control, which means fixing the ship if it gets damaged. He also had a special place to go during general quarters. This is when everyone on the ship goes to their battle stations during an emergency. Harmon became a Mess Attendant First Class during his service.
Heroism in Battle
Harmon was serving on the San Francisco during a big fight called the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. This battle happened on November 13, 1942. During the fight, the San Francisco was hit many times by Japanese gunfire. Almost all the officers on the ship's bridge were killed.
Harmon quickly rushed to help the wounded sailors. He was then told to help a medic, Pharmacist's Mate Lyndford Bondsteel. Together, they worked to move and care for the injured. As the ship was still being shot at, Harmon helped carry wounded sailors to a safe area for treatment.
A Brave Sacrifice
While helping his shipmate Bondsteel, Harmon did something incredibly brave. He deliberately stood between Bondsteel and the enemy gunfire. He wanted to protect his wounded friend from getting hit. This heroic act saved Bondsteel, but it cost Harmon his own life.
Honoring a Hero
After his death, Leonard Roy Harmon was given the Navy Cross in March 1943. This is a very high award for bravery in the Navy.
Ships Named in His Honor
Two ships were named to remember Harmon's bravery. One ship, HMS Aylmer (K463), was going to be named USS Harmon (DE-72). But it was given to the Royal Navy before it was finished.
However, another ship, the USS Harmon (DE-678), was indeed named after him. This ship served from 1943 to 1947. It was the very first United States warship to be named after an African American.
Other Tributes
Harmon's heroism is also remembered in other ways. A building for sailors at Naval Air Station North Island was named Harmon Hall on July 29, 1975. Also, a special historical marker was placed in Cuero Municipal Park in 1977. You can also see a poster honoring him at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
Images for kids
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An Office of War Information poster from 1943 by Charles Alston depicting Harmon and the ship named in his honor.
