Leonard Roy Harmon

Leonard Roy Harmon (January 21, 1917 – November 13, 1942) was an American sailor who died in action during World War II and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his valor. He is the first African-American man to have a US warship, the , named after him. before working in livestock production.

During his service, Harmon became a Mess Attendant First Class and was serving aboard the San Francisco during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. On November 13, 1942, San Francisco was raked by Japanese gunfire during the battle, killing nearly every officer on the bridge. Harmon rushed in to evacuate the wounded. While the ship was being raked by enemy gunfire, Harmon helped evacuate the wounded to a dressing station. While doing so he deliberately stood between Bondsteel and enemy gunfire in order to protect his wounded shipmate.

Honors Harmon was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously in March 1943. Additionally, two ships were named in his honor. had been provisionally named but was transferred to the Royal Navy prior to completion. The served from 1943 to 1947 and remained in the Reserve Fleet until 1967; it was the first US warship to be named after an African American.

An Office of War Information poster from 1943 by Charles Alston depicting Harmon and the ship named in his honor.

Navy Cross citation