Page 93 - history-of-military-units-in-columbia-county-fl-(1970)-robert-gary-shields

History of Military Units in Columbia County, FL (1970) Robert Gary Shields
GENERAL ORDERS #65 30 November 1959

AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

1. Award of the Distinguished service medal (Silver Cluster), State of
Florida - Upon the recommedations of the Awards Board, and under the
provisions of Section III, Florida National Guard Regulations 1-2, The

Distinguished Service Medal (Silver Cluster), State of Florida, is awarded
the following named officer as recongnition be the State of Florida, for

performance of exceptionally meritorious service to the Florida National
Guard during the period 1 March 1952 through 30 November 1959:
COLONEL ROBERT B. HARKNESS
(0-245187)
2. Colonel Harkness assumed command of the 124th Infantry Regiment on
1 March 1952 and commanded the Regiment until the Division was reorganized

to the 48th Armored Division 1 November 1955, and Hq. & Hq. Company 124th
Infantry was reorganized as Combat Command "A", 48th Armored Division.
Colonel Harkness has commanded this unit until his Retirement on 30 November

1959. During this period, units under his command have made steady progress
in strength, military knowledge and training accomplishments. These

•accomplishments can be attributed in great part, to the inspiration of
subordinate commanders generated by Colonel Harkness. Colonel Harkness'
great love of the National Guard and the principles and ideals for which

the National Guard stands, has been a constant reminder to all officers
junior to him that membership in the National Guard was and is, much more
than just a method of discharing one's military duties, but was and is in

fact, a way of life that caAyi only be maintained by the love and devotion
Colonel Harkness so well exemplifies. During this period of time Colonel

Harkness gave freely of his personal time and finances to futher these
ideals, and to build the Esprit de, Corps which enabled units of his
command to attain enviable achievements.
BY COMMAND OF THE GOVERNOR;

MARK W. LANCE
Major General
The Adjutant General

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