HARRISON, WILLIAM KELLY (1870-1928). William Kelly Harrison, Medal of Honor recipient, was born in Waco, Texas, on July 30, 1870. He entered the United States Naval Academy on May 28, 1885, was commissioned ensign on July 1, 1891, lieutenant on March 5, 1899, and commander on January 14, 1911. On April 20, 1914, Congress authorized the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, to "obtain the fullest recognition of the rights and dignity of the United States." On the night of April 21 Commander Harrison distinguished himself by bringing his ship into the inner harbor without the assistance of a pilot or navigational aids. He had his ship in position on the morning of the twenty-second to use his guns with telling effect. Harrison retired from the navy in 1918. In 1928 he was living in San Diego, California, where he died on August 15, 1928.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients, 1863-1973 (Washington: GPO, 1973).
Extracted from: "HARRISON, WILLIAM KELLY." The Handbook of Texas Online. [Accessed Sun Apr 9 12:33:32 2000 ].
NOTE:I feel sure this William Kelly HARRISON is a descendant of Isham HARRISON and Harriett Kelly of Waco TX but am not sure of the direct line. If you have info, please contact me. Becky Bonner
