John Hunter Harris

He is survived by his two sons, John E Harris and Raymond H Harris (Trish) and a granddaughter Kelly Harris Eagan (Chris).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Ruth Evelyn Harris, his parents Wingie H. and Ruby S. Harris and brothers David W. Harris, William P. Harris and Frank K. Harris.

Sargent Major Harris was a veteran of WW II and served in Europe with the 4th Armored Division and participated in five major campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. Following WW II he served in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Korea, until 1960. Sargent Major Harris retired from the Virginia Department of Military Affairs after more than 21 years of state service.

Decorations and service awards include: Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal W/Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct MedalW/6 Clasps, American Defense MedalW/Bronze star, American Theater Medal, European- African Middle Eastern Theater Medal W/5 Bronze Battle Stars, Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Medal, Korea Defense Medal, the French Fourragere in the 1939-1945 colors of the French Croix de Guerre, and Normandie Memoire 60th Anniversary.

He was named a “Chevalier" (Knight) of the French Legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic for his personal contribution to the liberation of France during World War ll. The French Legion of Honor is the highest award the Republic of France bestows.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, 4th Armored Division Association, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, American Society of the French Legion of Honor, and the WW II Memorial Society.