b. 30/07/1870 Waco, Texas. d. 15/08/1928 San Diego, California.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 21/04/1914 Veracruz, Mexico.
William K Harrison MOH
Vera Cruz Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Waco, Texas, he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in May 1885 and graduated in 1889. He was commissioned to the rank of ensign on July 1, 1891, the rank of lieutenant on March 5, 1899, and finally the rank of commander on January 14, 1911. He received the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915 for his actions during the US occupation of the port of Veracruz, Mexico, in response to the Tampico Affair of April 9, 1914, instigated when nine armed American sailors were arrested by the Mexican government for entering off-limit areas in Tampico, Tamaulipas. The text of his citation reads: “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.” He retired from the United States Navy in 1918 and died in San Diego, California at the age of 58.
He is a relative of President William Henry Harrison (genealogical research indicates that while they might have a shared ancestry, both families being from Virginia, there is no evidence of a direct relation). His son, William Kelly Harrison Jr. graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1917 and retired from the United States Army as a lieutenant general.
MOH CITATION:
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 2, GRAVE 1080.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
