Second US Decoration

M. I. Harper Receives a Second US Decoration

IN a ceremony held in Sydney in November, and attended by promin ent American and Australian naval officers, Commissioned Warrant Officer M. I. Harper, RANK, Legion of Merit (USA), was foimally decorated with the United States Silver Star.

Mr. Harper, a veteran of 1914-18, was a planter and trader at Mandoliana, Solomon Islands, until the Jap invasion.

Then he rejoined the Australian Navy, and immediately was attached to the United States Navy, where—owing to his intimate knowledge of the waters of the Central Solomons, and his bravery and coolness under all circumstances —he performed very valuable services. In November, 1943, he was awarded the coveted Legion of Merit, Degree of Com mander, for “assisting the Operations Officer ... in the study of charts . . . and while repeatedly under fire success fully piloted many ships through perilous waters.”

In the later years of the war, Mr.

Harper still was with the American Navy, in the dangerous waters around Guam, Saipan and the Philippines: and here he received the Silver Star for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the Underwater Demolition Team.” The citation continues: “He ren dered gallant service under enemy fire in the removal of underwater obstacles and, by his expert counsel in connection with coral beach formations, he aided greatly in preparing the way for combat troops.”