On 8 April 1945, during the crossing of the Dortmund-Ems Canal at Meppen, Germany, Map Reference, 699577, Lance-Sergeant Harris was in charge of a party detailed to obtain information and to do the advance party work at a proposed bridge site. This work was completed on the near side despite very accurate fire from enemy snipers and the party started to cross the canal to the far shore. Proceeding in a reconnaissance boar, Lance-Sergeant Harris' group had reached midway across when then they were subjected to a terrific volume of fire from small arms, 20-mm flak and mortars. Although the reconnaissance boat was half collapsed by enemy fire Lance-Sergeant Harris, by super leadership, was able to bring the party through to the far bank. Under a further hail of enemy fire their job was completed. Due to this Non-Commissioned Officer's outstanding courage and leadership well beyond the call of duty, the advance party work was quickly completed enabling the bridge to be built in record time, thereby bringing much needed relief to a hard pressed bridgehead, upon which depended the success of the operation.