Raymond Harvey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raymond Harvey
|
|
|---|---|
Medal of Honor recipient
|
|
| Born | March 1, 1920 Ford City, Pennsylvania |
| Died | November 18, 1996 (aged 76) Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1962 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 79th Infantry Division 7th Infantry Division |
| Commands held | Company C, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Operation Overlord *Battle of the Bulge Korean War *Battle of Inchon |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (3) Bronze Star (3) Purple Heart (3) |
Raymond G. Harvey (born March 1, 1920 – died November 18, 1996) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He fought in two big wars: World War II and the Korean War. He earned the highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing actions on March 9, 1951.
Contents
Serving in the Army
Raymond Harvey joined the United States Army on August 16, 1939. He served for many years, showing great courage and leadership.
World War II Heroics
During World War II, Harvey was part of the 79th Infantry Division. He landed in Normandy, France, just one week after the famous D-Day invasion. He fought bravely in battles across northern France and Germany.
Harvey was recognized many times for his courage. He received the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second highest award for bravery. He also earned two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.
Korean War Bravery
After World War II, Harvey left active duty but returned to the Army in 1948. When the Korean War started in 1950, he was serving with the 7th Infantry Division. He landed in Inchon, Korea, in September 1950.
Soon after, Harvey became the leader of Company C, 17th Infantry Regiment.
The Battle for Hill 1232
In March 1951, Harvey's company was ordered to attack Hill 1232 near Taemi-Dong. This hill was heavily defended by North Korean machine gun nests hidden in strong bunkers. As Harvey and his men moved forward, they were stopped by heavy machine gun fire.
Suddenly, Harvey decided to charge up the hill by himself. He ran towards the enemy fire, throwing grenades into the first bunker and defeating the soldiers inside. Then, he moved to the next enemy position and took out five more soldiers with his M1 carbine rifle.
His men eventually caught up to him, but Harvey kept going. He charged another machine gun nest alone, taking out the gunners. During this brave action, he was shot in the chest.
Even though he was bleeding, Harvey crawled towards another hidden enemy stronghold. He surprised them with his rifle. Unable to move much, he ordered his men to finish the mission and take the hill. Harvey refused medical help until Hill 1232 was completely captured.
Medal of Honor Presentation
For his incredible bravery, Harvey received his third Silver Star while recovering from his wounds. On July 5, 1951, President Harry S. Truman personally gave Harvey the Medal of Honor at a ceremony in the White House. President Truman praised Harvey and other soldiers, saying they were the "backbone of the government."
Life After the Wars
After the Korean War, Raymond Harvey stayed in the Army. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before he retired in 1962.
He also worked as a military advisor for movies about the Korean War, like Fixed Bayonets!. He even became friends with the movie's director, Samuel Fuller.
After leaving the Army, Harvey worked for a company called Northrop Corporation. He also worked as an investment banker and later helped with Native American affairs in Arizona. He fully retired in 1981 after having a stroke.
Raymond Harvey passed away in 1996 at the age of 76. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.
Military Awards and Honors
Raymond Harvey was one of the most decorated infantry soldiers in U.S. Army history. His awards show his amazing courage and service.
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Three Silver Stars
- Three Bronze Stars
- Three Purple Hearts
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm (from France)
- Chungmu Cordon Medal with Gold Star (from South Korea)
Other Awards and Recognitions
Harvey also received several other awards and honors:
- Clyde Elrod Award
- Medal of Valor (Arizona)
- George Washington Award (Arizona)
- Military Order of Distinguished Service and Patriotism Award
- Retired Officers Association Heritage Award
- Medal of Honor (New York City)
- American Red Cross Certificate of Merit
- Man of the Year Award, Pasadena, California
Images for kids
-
The Combat Infantryman Badge, which Raymond Harvey earned twice.
See also
