Harold B. Ayres

Harold Boswell Ayres (25 January 1919 in Tulsa – 18 April 1989 in Memphis) was an American Major in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. He retired as a Colonel.

Awards

• Distinguished Service Cross in 1945 as Major and Commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division
• Silver Star Medal
• Army Distinguished Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star Medal

Silver Star citation

“

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Harold B. Ayers (ASN: 0-34372), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 21 July 1950 near Taejon, Korea. Lieutenant Colonel Ayres distinguished himself by calmly instructing his command post personnel as to the route of withdrawal, checking to see that all persons were notified and evacuated and was the last to leave even though the enemy was firing within a distance of 50 yards. During a period of time approximately thirty-six hours prior to withdrawal, Colonel Ayres, without rest or sleep had visited his companies, lending encouragement to hold off a superior number of aggressively attacking enemy. During this period of time he personally called for and adjusted artillery fire. When he lost communication he started into Taejon, which was under enemy fire, for instruction from his Regimental Commander. In this attempt he was promptly cut off by the enemy. During the night, as he escaped this encirclement, he encountered an enemy outpost which he attacked. He killed a machinegunner and drove off two riflemen allowing the passage of himself and two comrades. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

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