It's not often that you find a war memorial in Vicksburg that does not pertain to the Civil War -- but if a unit that fought in a 20th century war was going to be memorialized here, the Dixie Division is exceedingly worthy of that honor.
From the WWII Unit Histories website: (
visit link)
"Individual Awards
Medal of Honor 1
Distinguished Service Cross 7
Distinguished Service Medal 3
Silver Star 178
Legion of Merit 11
Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Soldiers Medal 73
Bronze Star 948
Air Medal 77
Medal of Honor Recipients
HARR, Harry R. [posthumously]
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 5 June 1945.
Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on his machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, 1 of which exploded under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding 2 of the crew. While the remaining gunners were desperately attempting to repair their weapon another grenade landed squarely in the emplacement. Quickly realizing he could not safely throw the unexploded missile from the crowded position, Cpl. Harr unhesitatingly covered it with his body to smother the blast. His supremely courageous act, which cost him his life, saved 4 of his comrades and enabled them to continue their mission."
This granite memorial to the men of Warren County and Vicksburg who served in Co. B, 106th Engineers, 31st Infantry Battalion (better known as the Dixie Division) stands in a place of pride at the Old Warren Co. Courthouse in downtown Vicksburg MS.
This memorial was placed here by their comrades. It reads as follows:
"[logo of Dixie Division] SOLDIERS [Logo of Dixie Division]
We were that which others did not want to be.
We went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. We were . . .
AMERICAN SOLDIERS
This monument is dedicated to the honor of the men of
COMPANY B
106TH ENGINEER (COMBAT) BATTALION
31ST INFANTRY (DIXIE) DIVISION
MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD
A unit of Vicksburg and Warren County soldiers that served with distinction during World war II from Nov. 1940 through Dec. 1945.
Erected by Co. B 106th Engineers Association
Dedicated Nov. 28th, 1992"