This Military Service Page was created/owned by
CWO3 Manuel (Manny) Vizinho
to remember
Marine 1stLt Harold Jay Collis.
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Contact Info
Home Town Tulsa
Last Address 4435 E. 13th Place Tulsa
MIA Date Oct 04, 1944
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Unknown, Not Reported
Location Palau
Location of Memorial Manila American Cemetery - Taguig City, Philippines
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Harold Jay Collis (MCSN: 0-20656), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Company Executive Officer attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 4 October 1944. When one of the platoons of his company was attempting to withdraw from an untenable position and suffering severe casualties from enemy weapons which controlled the route of withdrawal, First Lieutenant Collis unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to throw smoke grenades and provide an effective screen for the evacuation of the wounded. Completely disregarding his own personal safety he rushed into a fire-swept ravine and while working to remove casualties was himself mortally wounded. First Lieutenant Collins' splendid initiative and unselfish devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Action Date: October 4, 1944
The 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment (3/7) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and consist of approximately 800 Marines. The battalion falls under the command of the 7th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. The battalion has seen combat in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and was a part of the main effort during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. They have since deployed five times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and continue operations in Afghanistan. The unit has a long, decorated history with countless achievements. Its members were described as "true professionals" by embedded reporters during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.