Harry B. Jarrett

Harry Bean Jarrett was born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania on 12 October 1898.[1]

Jarrett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1922. He initially served aboard submarines and received his master's degree from Columbia University.[2]

Jarrett was the commanding officer at the 5 March 1940 commissioning of USS Morris (DD-417).[3]

Jarrett received the Navy Cross for heroism in the Battle of the Coral Sea and served with great valor as a destroyer screen commander for the fast carrier task force operations in the Pacific as well as a bombardment group commander in the Marshall and Marianas campaigns.[4]

He was awarded the Legion of Merit for Valor[2] for command of his destroyer fire support unit in the Marianas campaign, the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in commanding the destroyer screen for carrier striking the Palaus, the Philippines, and the Marianas, and the Bronze Star Medal for heroic actions as Commander Scouting Line for the fast carrier force bound for the raids early in 1945 on Okinawa, Tokyo, and Formosa.[4]

Upon the close of World War II, Jarrett had commanded the light cruiser USS Astoria (CL-90), was a member of the staff of the Training Command, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, served as the Plans and Policy Officer (Naval Reserve) under the Chief of Naval Operations,[4] and served between as the first U.S. Senior Defense Attaché in Taipei after the embassy moved to Taiwan from its original chancery in Mainland China.[5] Then he assumed command of Destroyer Flotilla 4 and Cruiser Flotilla 4 afterwards. In February 1953, he became the Deputy Inspector General, Navy Department, serving until his retirement in November 1954.[4]

At the time of his death, he was living in northwest Washington, D.C. with his wife Mary Ward Dunn-Jarrett. He died of heart failure on 9 April 1974 at the San Diego Naval Hospital. His funeral was held at the main chapel of the Naval Academy.[2] He was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.[6]

Navy Cross

On 8 May 1942, the Bureau of Naval Personnel awarded Jarrett the Navy Cross for actions as Commanding Officer, USS Morris (DD-417) with the following citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Harry Bean Jarrett (NSN: 0-57619), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MORRIS (DD-417), during the Battle of the Coral Sea and during the rescue of survivors from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON on 8 May 1942. In constant danger of subsequent attacks by enemy Japanese aircraft and at a time when the LEXINGTON was being shaken by violent explosions and gutted by raging fires, Commander Jarrett, in courageous disregard for his own personal safety, placed his ship alongside the stricken aircraft carrier and took aboard a considerable portion of its crew. His initiative and leadership in a perilous emergency contributed materially to the reduction of casualties and to the rescue of many survivors who might otherwise have perished. Commander Jarrett's conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.[7]

— Bureau of Naval Personnel, February 1943

Silver Star

The Commander 2d Carrier Task Force awarded Jarrett the Silver Star for actions as Commanding Officer, Destroyer Squadron 53 from 9 September to 14 October 1944 with the following citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Harry Bean Jarrett (NSN: 0-57619), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Destroyer Squadron FIFTY THREE (DesRon 53), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in Palau, 9 to 14 September 1944; Luzon, 12 and 22 September 1944; and in the Ryukyu Islands and Formosa, 6 to 14 October 1944. A skilled and courageous leader, Captain Jarrett directed the units of his command in providing a screen of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire to contribute to the success of his units in repulsing three determined enemy aircraft attacks without damage to the Task Group. His courage and leadership during periods of sustained action reflect the highest credit upon Captain Jarrett and the United States Naval Service.[7]

— Commander 2d Carrier Task Force, 8 December 1945

• USS Jarrett (FFG-33)

 This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Navy document: "Namesake USS Jarrett".

• Harry B. Jarrett at Find a Grave