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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Joseph Gabriel Harner — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Boatswain's Mate Second Class (shipboard) Chief Petty Officer
Service Era: Banana Wars, World War I, World War II
Medals Recorded: 2

Joseph Gabriel Harner

Boatswain's Mate Second Class (shipboard) Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy

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Banana WarsWorld War IWorld War II

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor
Mexican Service Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Volunteering under fire during the seizure of Veracruz

Joseph Gabriel Harner was a boatswain’s mate second class aboard USS Florida. During the seizure of Veracruz, Mexico, on April 21, 1914, he volunteered with other sailors to enter an alley under heavy enemy fire and help dislodge the opposing troops. His courage earned the Medal of Honor.

Born in Louisville, Ohio, on February 19, 1889, Harner received his medal aboard Florida at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on January 6, 1915. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels made the presentation. Harner died on March 5, 1958, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Florida, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 April 1914.

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