William Simon Harris awarded Medal of Honor 117 years after the fact
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The Prairie View A&M Panthers went 80 games without a win in college football. The Chicago Cubs’ infamous streak without a World Series championship in baseball spanned 108 years. Bother of those streaks began and ended while Simon Harris waited for his Medal of Honor.
The U.S. Army veteran and Kokomo native earned the medal for his actions in the Philippine Insurrection of 1899. It was awarded to him in 1906, but Harris wasn’t notified of the honor, nor was the medal presented to him.
That all changed this year. Thanks to the efforts of Harris’ family, a Texas-based historian, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1152, the long-overdue medal was presented to the family in January 2025 by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, who had advocated for the issuance of the medal while serving as a U.S. Senator.
And on Oct. 31, a crowd gathered in Memorial Park Cemetery to recognize Harris’ service; a 117-year wait. The ceremony centered around the replacement of Harris’ headstone, which now reflects his service. The slab of white marble is emblazoned with his name in gold, along with the Medal of Honor emblem; a gold star within a wreath.
“It’s a long overdue recognition of his historic service to our country and a great day for all of us assembled here today,” said Dave Capshaw, VFW Post 1152 Commander, during the ceremony to honor Harris.
The crisp October air carried the words of those chosen to venerate Kokomo’s most valorous soldier. Indiana State Rep. Mike Karickhoff stepped up to pay respect.
“Today is really a testament to the family, their perseverance, their ability to keep Simon’s memory alive, and to our local veterans’ organizations, because without their efforts, I’m sure this recognition would not have been possible,” said Karickhoff.
Karickhoff explained that, since the Civil War, 40 million Americans have served in the armed forces. Of those, only 3,547 have received the Medal of Honor.
“That’s one ten-thousandth of a percent of people who have been in the military,” said Karickhoff. “William Simon Harris is among that small number. It’s fitting that we should recognize him and remember him for his service to our country.”
Harris enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1898, and he was assigned to the 4th U.S. Cavalry. In 1899, his unit was deployed in the Philippine insurrection.
Spc. Ross Waltemath (Ret.), Post 1152’s quartermaster and service officer, described the act that earned Harris his honor, as declared by President Theodore Roosevelt, who originally awarded the medal.
“Private William S Harris distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on May 13, 1899, while serving as a member of Troop G, 4th United States Cavalry at San Miguel de Mayumo, Luzon, Philippine Islands,” Waltemath stated. “On this occasion, about 300 of the enemy were drawn up in the line in an advantageous position, requiring a frontal attack without men to reinforce them or be in a position to do so. Harris and 11 other scouts charged the enemy line 150 yards and completely routed the enemy.”
Gov. Braun sent a representative to read an address in honor of Harris.
“Private Harris was a true American hero whose legacy has continued to inspire for generations after his lifetime,” Braun’s statement declared. His courage, selflessness, and service to our country represent the very best of the American spirit. His actions in the face of overwhelming odds were not only extraordinary in the moment but enduring in their meaning.
“Though the events that earned him the Medal of Honor took place more than a century ago, the recognition we bestow today is a powerful reminder that valor never fades, and that history has a way of finding its heroes.”
Mayor Tyler Moore, who was unable to attend the ceremony, later issued a statement in Harris’ honor.
“On behalf of the City of Kokomo, we’re honored to share our sincere congratulations and appreciation to the family of U.S. Army Private William Simon Harris, a true American hero and longtime Kokomo resident,” Moore said. “Today’s ceremony ensures his story is permanently remembered in the city he called home. The new headstone also will stand as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice; a reminder that courage and honor never fade with time.”
See additional photos and video of this ceremony either on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.