Boyd: Hoosier man was awarded a Medal of Honor. Why doesn't he have it 117 years later?
Since the Civil War, 40 million people have served in the armed forces. According to the National Medal of Honor Museum, only 3,515 have received a Medal of Honor. That’s just how rare a Medal of Honor is.
William Simon Harris is among those select few.
I don’t know Harris, but I’m rooting for him. I want him to receive the Medal of Honor he was awarded because it’s only right, but I also want closure for his family, particularly, Joe Harris, who I’ve been in contact with recently about this issue involving his great grandfather.
Let me tell you a little of what I’ve learned about Harris.
Harris, who was born in 1873 in Illinois and was an orphan, enlisted in the Army in 1898. He was a member of the 4th U.S. Cavalry and served in the Philippine Insurrection. In 1899, he was selected to be part of an elite group of scouts known as Young’s Scouts. He later transferred to the 11th U.S. Volunteer Infantry and served until 1901. A resident of Kokomo for most of his life, Harris died in 1963 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Harris was recommended for the Medal of Honor for his courage at the Battle of San Miguel and the Battle of Tarbon Bridge near San Isidiro by Gen. Henry Lawton in 1906, and he was awarded the medal under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt.
There’s just one problem: Harris never received his Medal of Honor.
In fact, he never knew he received the medal. He inquired and was told he received no such honor. So, Harris died never knowing he actually received the highest honor bestowed on those who serve in the military. He died never knowing how much his service meant to his country.
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His family and Michael Eberhardt, the historian who discovered this error, are trying to correct this mistake, but it hasn’t been easy.
Eberhardt discovered Harris’ case in his research and tracked down Harris’ family members to let them know of his discovery.
“Joe’s great grandfather never even was notified that he received the Medal of Honor because the Army used the wrong address,” Eberhardt said.
Yes, something as simple as the wrong address is the reason why William Simon Harris never received his Medal of Honor. But here’s the kicker: The military had his correct address. He received his VA pension from 1906 to 1963, and his correct address was on his pension card.
Eberhardt is thorough. From the letter that states the names of the soldiers who are to receive a Medal of Honor, which clearly states “By the direction of the president” to Harris’ VA card, he has plenty of documents to back up his claims. He’s provided the Harris family with these documents, and Joe has shared the documents with the Army.
“He earned his Medal of Honor,” Joe said. “He fought for it. He should receive it. It’s really not about the family. It’s about him. The family would greatly appreciate it, but it’s just to make good on the mistake that happened in 1906. It was approved by the president of the United States and that should be, in my opinion, final.”
Eberhardt and Joe have been at this since February, and it may take even longer. They’ve tried to enlist the help of Sens. Mike Braun and Todd Young. I received a statement from each office on their efforts to help Harris receive his Medal of Honor. However, there seems to be some confusion about William Simon Harris’ name. Like many people, William Simon Harris went by his middle name, Simon. His VA card lists both names. Joe said the name issue is resolved and even forwarded an email to me that shows the Army verified the name and it’s no longer problem.
“We have now proved that Simon Harris, William Simon Harris is the same person,” Joe said.
Since the name discrepancy is no longer an issue, Joe remains hopeful that one or both senators will take up the cause to finally award the Medal of Honor to William Simon Harris. Actually, he believes their involvement is necessary.
“I think one or the other has to get involved personally to make this happen,” Joe said. “… This is a soldier that’s from his [Braun’s] district. He should be all over this.”
Contact IndyStar Public Engagement Editor Oseye Boyd at oboyd@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @oseyetboyd.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: It's been 117 years. Give William Simon Harris his Medal of Honor
