GOLD STAR AWARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24972, 15 August 1944, Page 4

GOLD STAR AWARD

AMERICAN GENEBAL WAS WITH NEW ZEALANDERS The American Gold Star, in place of a third award of the Legion of Merit, has been conferred on a United States Marine Corps officer who served with New Zealand forces in the capture of Green Island and previously commanded air forces which included II.N.Z.A.L'. squadrons He is Brigadier-General Field Harris, who recently' became director of Marine Corps aviation after long service in the South Pacific. In the citation accompanying the award of the Gold Star, Admiral W. F. Halsey, then commander of the South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force, said: 'Brigadier-General Harris was attached to the New Zealand forces during the capture and occupation of Green Island. He accompanied the first echelons ashore, and in spite of continued enemy resistance lie immediately proceeded with the difficult task ol planning for and developing a fighter strip and other base facilities." Admiral Ilalsev added that through the general's "highly efficient organisational ability and sound judgment the airfield was completed in the minimum of time." . , General Harris won his first Legion of Merit for directing Allied planes, 111j eluding New Zealand formations, in the I aerial assaults which preceded the capture of Munda airfield on New Georgia Island. He won a Gold Star in place of a second Legion of Merit for directing Allied aircraft, again including New Zealand formations, during the invasion of Bougainville Island last. November.