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Harry M Harlan Jr - The Shipfitter from Florida


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I recently obtained this U.S. Navy veteran Grouping from a fellow Forum member. With the upcoming Veterans Day I would like to honor and remember Harry M. Harlan Jr

 

 

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Harlan Jr. was a 20 year U.S. Navy veteran. He was born on September 11, 1932 in Pensacola, Florida. Harlan served on various naval ships and participated in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He entered the U.S. Navy in June 1950 and received basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.

 

 

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Upon successful completion of basic training he was assigned to the U.S.S. Missouri – BB63 as a Shipfitter. He served onboard the Missouri when the battleship participated in combat operations off the coast of the Korean Peninsula during the war. Based on the records in the grouping, Harlan served on the USS Missouri from approximately September 1950 – September 1953.

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Harlan’s father passed in early 1953, while Harlan was out at sea. He was not able to attend the funeral services scheduled for January 1953. I believe this Western Union telegram is the telegram that Harlan sent his mother that he would not be able to attend his father’s funeral. Research results on Find-A-Grave dates Harlan’s father passing and burial close to the date on this telegram. This telegram reminds us of the personal hardships military service members endure while serving in the military.

 

 

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Harlan kept various editions of the U.S.S. Missouri Newspaper and other periodicals about the Missouri's return from Korea.

 

 

 

 

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Harlan’s highest award was the Naval Achievement Medal which was awarded to him in June 1971. Other ship assignments included the USS Rowe, USS Sierra, USS Yellowstone, USS Prichett, USS Collett, USS Moore, USS Constellation, USS Dixie and the USS Albany. Ship assignments were written in Harlan’s Letter of Appreciation, dated July 24, 1972, written by J.D. Elliott, Commander Officer of the USS Albany. His letters of Commendation/Appreciation and special recognition speaks of his devotion to duty and selfless service.

 

 

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The Grouping came with the items in the Riker Mount case. I added the Rocker Tabs, the Korean Service Medal and the full ribbon rack. Please let me know if the order of precedence on the full ribbon rack is out of order. The smaller ribbon rack is original to the grouping and is the one Harlan is wearing in the photo. I will add additional rocker tabs as soon as I am able to find them.

 

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