Col Myron C. Harrington, USMC

Class of 1960

Hometown: Augusta, Ga.

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • Harrington was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism on 23 Feb 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.  He received the Silver Star for his actions as company commander just eight days earlier on 15 February 1968, during Operation Hue City.  Harrington's DSC citation reads in relevant part: 

"Captain Harrington's company was assaulting the heavily defended Arch Tower along the fortified eastern wall of the Citadel when it came under intense enemy fire…. Captain Harrington skillfully deployed his 3.5 rocket teams into advantageous firing positions.  Continuously moving from one position to another, he pinpointed enemy emplacements and skillfully directed the fire of his men. After silencing four hostile positions, he requested supporting arms fire and skillfully adjusted 60-mm. mortar fire to within twenty-five meters of the forward elements of his company, while simultaneously adjusting artillery fire. Disregarding his own safety, Captain Harrington then fearlessly maneuvered to the point of heaviest contact and, rallying his men, boldly led a determined assault against the enemy soldiers….Largely due to his resolute determination and intrepid fighting spirit, his men overran the hostile positions and routed the North Vietnamese soldiers, accounting for twenty-five enemy soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, superb leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Captain Harrington upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

  • Harrington retired from the Marine Corps as Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps, The Citadel in June of 1991.  He has served as a member of The Citadel Board of Visitors, and is recognized as a leader in the education of students with learning disabilities.