Lt. Vernon Harris, a Second Lieutenant in Company E 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division for the United States Army lost his life while crossing the Volturno River in Italy in 1943, was presented the Veterans Service Distinguished Medal Award during a ceremony at the Veterans Service Office, Thursday.

“Today, we have a very unique story and a very unique circumstance,” said Ret. Major General Tommy Baker, “Second Lt. Vernon C. Harris … his family is here today (and) we get the opportunity to present them with something that has been lost (in a house fire) for sometime – the Army Distinguished Cross.”

Major General Baker said Lt. Harris’ platoon started in North Italy, but a river crossing at the Volturno was in front of them.

“A river crossing is one of the most dangerous missions you can have,” Baker said, “In the process, he was mortally wounded, but one of the last things he did was send up a flare signaling to his company commander that the objective had been taken.”

First awarded in 1918, Major General Baker said of the 42 million who have answered the call of their Country since General George Washington led the Continental Army, only 13,000 have received this award.

“It’s only second to the Medal of Honor … and it is only extended to those who perform exemplary heroism in the face of enemy armed force in combat,” Baker said, “It is quite an honor when we think about someone from this local area that distinguished themselves on the battle field 80 years ago.”

A.J. Massey, Madison County Mayor, presented a proclamation to Dr. David Harris, a great nephew of  Lt. Harris.

“Despite being in severe pain, Lt. Harris refused to quit until he finished the job,” Massey said, “(He) gathered all of his non-commissioned officers together and personally supervised organization of his platoon in defense, and with what strength he had, sent up the bright symbol of success, indicating the mission was a success.”

(PHOTO: From left, A.J. Massey, Mayor of Madison County; Ret. Major General Tommy Baker, Tennessee National Guard, Commissioner of Veterans Services; Dr. David Harris, a great nephew of Lt. Harris; Lt. Colonel Andrew Dye, Tennessee Army National Guard and Reginald Sims, Veterans Service Officer, Madison County)