Chickasaw Medal of Honor Recipient Honored in Pasadena

Lt. Col. Raymond G. Harvey's heroism in World War II and Korea recognized by his adopted hometown.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee and Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Col. Raymond G. Harvey was honored by the city of Pasadena, California, where he lived after the war. Harvey, who served in World War II and Korea, was recognized for his extreme gallantry and heroism in combat, receiving numerous military decorations including the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor.

Why it matters

Lt. Col. Harvey's story highlights the service and sacrifice of Native American soldiers who have fought for the United States, often facing discrimination and challenges, yet have earned the nation's highest military honors. His recognition by his adopted hometown of Pasadena helps preserve the legacy of this Chickasaw war hero.

The details

During World War II, Harvey served with the 79th Infantry Division, participating in campaigns in northern France and Germany. In the Korean War, as a captain leading Company C of the 7th Infantry Division, he single-handedly took out three enemy emplacements while his unit was pinned down, refusing evacuation until the mission was accomplished, despite being wounded. For his valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in 1951.

  • Harvey was born in 1920 and grew up in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
  • He served in World War II and the Korean War.
  • He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1951.
  • Harvey returned to Pasadena after the war and left for active duty just before the start of the Korean War.
  • He was honored by the city of Pasadena in November 2026.

The players

Lt. Col. Raymond G. Harvey

A Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee and Medal of Honor recipient who was honored by his adopted hometown of Pasadena, California, for his heroism in World War II and the Korean War.

William M. Paparian

The former mayor of Pasadena and the master of ceremonies for the event honoring Lt. Col. Harvey.

Johnece Firestone

One of Lt. Col. Harvey's daughters, who spoke about her father's unconquerable spirit and commitment to justice for Indigenous peoples.

Cynthia Pereira

One of Lt. Col. Harvey's daughters, who spoke about her father's unwavering fight for the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Raymond Harvey is among the most highly decorated soldiers in the history of the United States Army.”

— William M. Paparian, Former mayor and master of ceremonies

“If you look at his history in World War II, he did these things over and over and over again. He was certainly not going to be conquered. He was not going to let them get the best of him, and he didn't.”

— Johnece Firestone, Daughter of Lt. Col. Harvey

“His unconquerable sense of pride and duty carried through in his work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs where he remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting and restoring the rights of all Indigenous peoples. He never wavered in his fight for justice, ensuring that their voices were heard and their sovereignty was protected.”

— Cynthia Pereira, Daughter of Lt. Col. Harvey

What’s next

The city of Pasadena plans to erect a memorial plaque in Lt. Col. Harvey's honor to keep his memory alive in the minds of the city's residents.

The takeaway

Lt. Col. Raymond G. Harvey's story is a testament to the valor and sacrifice of Native American soldiers who have fought for the United States, often facing discrimination, yet earning the nation's highest military honors. His recognition by his adopted hometown of Pasadena helps preserve the legacy of this Chickasaw war hero and his unwavering commitment to justice and the rights of Indigenous peoples.