Harry Hershley Aldro was born on June 5, 1911, in Oakland, Alameda County, California.

Harry served in the Torpedo Squadron 20 (USS Lexington) of the United States Navy as an Aviation Radioman Petty Officer 2nd Class during World War II. He was captured by the Japanese after his aircraft was shot down on or about February 18, 1945, and was brought to the Taipei Prison, Taipei City, Taiwan. While a POW in Taipei, a mock trial was held. Harry, along with 13 other American servicemen, were accused of being "war criminals" by the Japanese Army, sentenced to death, and executed. They were cremated and their ashes placed in a local Japanese Shinto temple. At the end of the war the remains were turned over to the Allies for burial. Harry was interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, USA.

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Harry Hershley Aldro (NSN: 3776916), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 24 October 1944, near the Philippine Islands. During a successful torpedo attack on an enemy battleship, he maintained constant radio communication and materially aided his pilot in pressing home his attack and evading the heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire. His extraordinary coolness in the action made possible very accurate assessment of the damage inflicted on the enemy force. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: October 24, 1944

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