Career
Harmon, born in Cuero, Texas, was 22 years of age when he enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1939. 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.
During his service he became a Mess Attendant First Class and was serving aboard the United States Ship San Francisco (California-38) when on November 12, 1942 he was killed in action.
During the course of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal he was assigned to assist pharmacist"s mate Lyndford Bondsteel in caring for the wounded. While doing so he deliberately interposed himself between Bondsteel and enemy gunfire in order to protect his shipmate.
This action resulted in his death. citation.