Accession Number: 2002-071-20
Original work: Poster
Original size: 16 by 20 inches
This poster highlighted the heroism of Leonard Roy Harmon. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1939. He was stationed on the cruiser USS San Francisco. He trained as a Mess Attendant, one of the few jobs available to black men in the Navy at that time. The basic job description consisted of serving food to officers and crew aboard ship. Like all members of a ship's crew, he trained in damage control and had stations to report to during general quarters. During the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942, the Japanese attacked the ship killing nearly every officer on the bridge. Harmon rushed in to evacuate the wounded. His assignment was to assist Pharmacist's Mate Lyndford Bondsteel caring for the wounded. The ship was attacked again Harmon deliberately stood between Bondsteel and the gunfire in order to protect him. This action resulted in Harmon’s death. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously on March 1943. The Navy also named a ship in his honor USS Harmon (DE 678) that served from 1943 to 1947 and remained in the Reserve Fleet until 1967. This was the first US warship to be named for an African American.
Reproduction Size:
If not indicated, the average reproduction is approximately 20x26 inches. All reproductions are custom printed and can be printed/framed to various sizes. We are happy to quote various options. Contact Us
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