Tribute to a Brother Ranger
Posted for: DANIEL LEE HARMON:
Today as I write this in remembrance of a brother, my heart is really sadden. I write about many whom I never knew and I am thankful for each and every one of them. Danny I knew but for such a short time, in fact only 19 days. He was one of those God allows for a season and definitely a reason.. This man had so much "Character"! He was a good looking, dark haired young man who showed great humility and concern for his fellow soldier. He showed this towards all of us who came into the platoon before his death. Some guys are a little standoffish to new blood. You have to prove you belong and to some that would seem wrong, but to the ones serving as the "Elite", (and Danny was such a man), they would have it no other way. Danny though had a spirit of love, a gift if you will, towards his fellowman, whether you had been in the unit or just arrived. He was able to make you feel at ease and you wanted to listen to the lessons he was passing along, not as a braggart, but to help. He use to carry a big knife and always had it with him. We had a tree in our area which he used to practice knife throwing. There was always a crowd around him wanting to learn how to throw the knife.

His reputation then, as it is today in the the memory of all who knew, is one of great reverence. Sadness falls upon those that knew Danny, But they will also have a joy of having known him and the fawn memories of his being. I say it every time, they only die when we forget to remind ourselves and others.
To the family that has had to bear the loss of Danny, we offer our heart felt thanks for standing strong. Many who enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution Danny gave towards our freedom. He is still dearly loved and missed,even to this day.

Lord, we who knew Danny are so thankful you allow us to be graced by his being among us. We his brothers of like spirit, a spirit that says, all peoples, of all nations should enjoy the right to live free and choose for themselves. Danny stands out to us and to the world as a symbol of the price of freedom. Your word says, "no greater love has a man than to give his life for a friend". Danny did just that! He foresook self preservation for others to live. Having saved Ron Coon he moved to save his team leader who was seriously wounded. In his attempt to do so he was mortally wounded. Danny acted out of love, a love that required no contemplation but rather action. Surely it never crossed his mind at the moment that he would come to be known as a "HERO". We thank you for men and women like our brother, who thought it not too much to give his life for another to live....... Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that have been all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you and "Warriors" of like kind. May we never forget our freedoms were bought by the blood of others. Lord regardless of our belief, help us as we remember Danny and the many like him to consider the following words of wisdom; to love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, mind , and strength and secondly to love our neighbor as ourself. Truly acceptance and application of this wisdom by all peoples of the world, is to see war and all other atrocities against humanity end! May our hearts be charged to honor the sacrafices of such men and women as Danny, with a continuous and sincere effort to promote peace on earth.

Bob Smyers

The following remembrances have been left at The Virtual Wall for DANIEL LEE HARMON:


Brother of Daniel writes-
Daniel L Harmon was my younger brother. We were very proud of him and miss him very much. To clear up any misconceptions, he was an Alaskan Native. He once went AWOL from the Army because they wouldn't send him to Viet Nam, thats how much he loved this country.
Brother MAURICE HARMON

Long time friend of Danny's family writes-

I grew up with the Harmon family on Woody Island, near Kodiak, Alaska. His sister, Leanna, was my best friend and "sis". I considered them all my "extended family". Danny was a very sensitive, quiet, giving person who gave to his country in a very unselfish way. I visit his gravesite often on the island where I grew up with him and knew him and will always honor his sacrifice to our country. We have all lost a very special and precious person. God Bless Danny Harmon and the America for which he fought.
Friend Patricia Chaffin Jackson


His Lieutenant writes-

I was the LRRP platoon leader for Ron Bonert and Danny. They were a package. Ron from Chicago .. Danny from Alaska. Ron was a city kid and Danny an Alaskan native American. From the formation of our LRRP unit (Nov 66) until they were KIA ... our unit had never lost a man. I had left the unit before they were KIA ... and when I heard the news I cried. After 30 years, I'd love to contact his family and tell them how brave and tough he was. I gave several formal speeches upon returning home. In each of them, Ron and Danny were at the heart of the theme. Mike Lapolla



Alaskan Native Brother writes-

I recently had the honor of being at Daniel's Memorial on Woody Island, this past June 6th of 2003. The stories I have heard have me holding my head high for Daniel, as he soars high above the grounds of Woody Island, Alaska. Now his spirit is that of an Eagle.
I met Daniels family there and they are fantastic people to know. I look forward to visiting his Grave Site each time I visit Woody Island, Alaska.
Alaskan Native Brother Unkown

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Posted by: Bob Smyers
Email: hotel2alfa@msn.com
Relationship: Fellow Ranger
Friday, February 13, 2004
If you wish to edit or remove this remembrance, please contact VVMF. Please be sure to include your name, the reason for editing and the name of the servicemember for whom you wish these changes be made.

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