Westerly, Rhode Island resident Harry L. Murray entered active duty June 18, 1943.  After basic training, he became a scout and served 20 months with the 339^th infantry Regiment of the 85^th Infantry Division. He obtained information concerning strength, disposition and probable actions of enemy forces, route conditions, locations for bivouac, and terrain features in order to facilitate tactical employment and maneuver of friendly troops and prevent a surprise attack.

While serving as a member of 339^th Infantry Regiment, he found himself involved in heavy combat in the Italian theater of operations. On June 5, 1944 in the vicinity of Rome, Italy, Pfc. Murray distinguished himself for heroism in action and won the Distinguished Service Cross, which is our nation’s second highest award for valor.

His medal citation reads: “While serving as a lead scout for a reconnaissance patrol, Private Murray encountered an enemy machine gun which immediately opened fire on him. Wounded three times during the initial exchange of fire, Private Murray crawled to a nearby farmhouse where his patrol had taken cover. After having his wounds dressed, he made his way to the second story of the house where he discovered a window affording excellent observation. Observing two Germans occupying a nearby knoll, he opened fire with his rifle, killing both of them.  Determined to knock out a machine gun beside a road, he left the farmhouse and crawled to another knoll from which he fired four rifle grenades at the enemy position. Not satisfied with the results of this action, he returned to the house, borrowed an automatic rifle and ammunition from a fellow soldier and climbed to the roof of the house through a trapdoor.  Exposing himself to machine gun fire, he fired two clips of ammunition into the nest forcing the enemy to withdraw. His aggressive determination to continue the fight against the enemy without regard for his own wounds or personal safety materially aided his unit in gaining its objective. Private Murray’s courageous performance reflects the finest traditions of the Army of the United States.”

Our museum is proud to have and display Pfc. Murray’s medals and associated paperwork, including his original DSC medal citation personally signed by Commanding General Mark W. Clark. This grouping is a fitting tribute to an exceptional soldier who served his country with distinction.