HARRIS LISTED AMONG DEAD
Webster City Serviceman First Reported Missing Dec. 6, 1942
Mr. and Mrs. Ilo Harris of this city were notified by the war department Monday that their son, Pvt. Charles H. Harris, missing in action in Africa Dec. 6, 1942, must now be considered dead.
Private Harris was reported missing after he had failed to return from a raid on enemy communications near Bizerte, Tunisia, in the first stages of the North African invasion.
The war department’s message stated in part, “All possible efforts have failed to locate your son x x.” Accordingly, after waiting the customary year and a day, the department had on Dec. 7 listed the Webster City soldier as dead.
Private Harris, who went into service with the Iowa National Guard in February, 1941, was one of the first 400 U. S. servicemen in his division to take commando training at the invitation of Lord Louis Montbatten, now British chief in the Middle East.
He is believed to have lost his life while serving with a U. S. Ranger detachment in attacks on the Tunisian coast.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Dec. 20, 1943
PURPLE HEART FOR SOLDIER
Pvt. Charles Harris Is Honored Posthumously With Medal.
Notice that their son, Pvt. Charles H. Harris, lost in the early stages of the North African campaign, had been honored posthumously by presentation of the Purple Heart award was received here Thursday morning by Mr. and Mrs. Ilo Harris.
A message from Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson notified Mr. and Mrs. Harris that the medal would be sent to them in the near future.
Missing Dec. 6, 1942
Private Harris was reported missing Dec. 6, 1942, following a commando raid reportedly made on Bizarre, Tunisia, in an attempt to destroy enemy communication lines. A year and a day later he was officially listed as dead by the war department as no news had ever been received concerning his whereabouts.
Harris was a member of the Iowa National Guard unit in this city and left for service in February, 1941.
Letter’s Contents
Secretary Stimson’s letter is as follows:
“At the request of the president I wish to inform you that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Pvt. Charles H. Harris, infantry, who sacrificed his life in defense of his country.
“Little that we can do or say will console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss, for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for country is a loss shared by all of us.
“When the medal, which you shall shortly receive, reached you, I want you to know that with it goes my sincerest sympathy and the hope that time and the victory of our cause will finally lighten the burden of your grief."
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Jan. 20, 1944
Charles Henry Harris, Jr. - Pvt. U.S. Army - MIA
Charles Henry Harris, Jr. was born about 1922 to Ilo C. and Mary K. Pearce Harris. He died Dec. 6, 1943 and is memorialized at the North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia.
Private Harris was reported missing Dec. 6, 1944, following a commando raid reportedly made on Bizerte, Tunisia, in an attempt to destroy enemy communication lines. A year and a day later he was officially listed as dead by the war department. He was a member of the 34th Inf. Div 168th Inf. Reg.
He was awarded the Purple Heart (posthumously), the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Sources:
Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA
ancestry.com
HonorStates.org
World War II Memorial
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
