Regent Emeritus Harry Jeanes Presented Bronze Star

Longtime Waco resident J. Harry Jeanes was presented a Bronze Star for his service at Iwo Jima during World War II at a noon ceremony on June 17 in the Cole Drawing Room at Baylor University's Hughes-Dillard Alumni Center. The medal was presented by U.S. Army Gen. (ret.) Harry Goodall of Waco. Baylor President Emeritus Herbert H. Reynolds made brief remarks and read the official citation.

The medal's citation reads, "For meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations from 1 June 1944 to 1 May 1945. Major Jeanes' rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a counterinsurgency environment greatly enhanced the allied forces effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. After landing on Iwo Jima 27 February 1945 with the assault echelon, Major Jeanes established prompt liaison with the Navy Beach Parties, V Marine Amphibious Corps and the Island Transportation Section. He immediately organized a system for obtaining information about arrival of VII Fighter Command personnel and equipment and for meeting ships loaded with men and supplies. Major Jeanes' loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on himself, the VII Fighter Command and the United States Army."

Jeanes, former chairman and CEO of First Federal Savings, graduated from Baylor in 1934. He served as a university regent for 18 years, two of those years as chair, and currently holds the title of regent emeritus. He is a recipient of the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award and is a 1999 Distinguished Alumnus. Jeanes and his wife, Anna Elizabeth Sturgis Jeanes, also received the 1997 Herbert H. Reynolds Award, the James Huckins Medal and the Founders Medal.

The Jeanes have continued to support their alma mater, including endowing Academic Honors Week and providing a major gift for the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the centerpiece of the Sue and Frank Mayborn Natural Science and Cultural History Museum Complex.