Harms, George W., 1921-1993.

Veteran of World War II, later commander of Erwin Prieskorn Post No. 46 of the American Legion, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

From the description of George W. Harms papers, 1915-1992 (bulk 1966-1988). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421141

William Levon Babaian was born in Mount Vernon, New York, to Iranian immigrant Abgar L. Babaian and his wife Loretta. William served in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1948-1952, during which time he completed a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War. He received a bachelor's degree from Boston University in 1856, earned a master's degree in biology the following year, and graduated from the Tufts University School of Medicine in 1961. He opened a practice near Boston, Massachusetts, but re-entered the army in 1969 as a result of escalating hostilities in Vietnam. He served with the 23rd Artillery Group in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star in December 1969, and remained in the military until at least 1976. He and his wife, Helen Bouchakian, also the daughter of Iranian immigrants, had several children, including a sons Michael, William, and Haig Steven.

From the guide to the William L. Babaian collection, Babaian, William L. collection, 1969-1976, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)

George W. Harms was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 6, 1921. In 1943 he received his AB from the University of Michigan. While in college, Harms was a catcher for the University of Michigan varsity baseball team, 1940-1942, serving as captain in 1942. He was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, 1940-1943, serving as president in 1942.

Following college, Harms began active service with the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1943 until his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant in 1946. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for valor. In 1955, Harms was classified as a Disabled Combat Veteran.

A member of numerous community service and veteran organizations, Harms founded the Washtenaw County Detachment of the Marine Corps League in 1975 and co-founded the Military Order of the Purple Heart in 1982. He has been particularly active with the American Legion Post No. 46 (Ann Arbor) since 1965, serving as post commander in 1966.

Harms died June 30, 1993.

From the guide to the George W. Harms papers, 1915-1988, 1966-1988, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)

An avid and highly talented baseball player in his youth, George Walter Harms (b. 1921) played baseball for the University of Michigan and served as captain of the team. Among the highlights of his career was playing on the 1936 American Legion national champion team, filling in as battery mate for Hal Newhouser, later a great professional player with the Detroit Tigers.

Harms was signed to join a professional team when he was called to serve in the Pacific with the Marine Corps in July, 1943. He joined the 4th Marine Raiders, which was reorganized as the 6th Division in April, 1944, and served exclusively in the brutal Pacific Theatre. Surviving the assault and capture of Guam, the Marianas Islands, and Okinawa, Harms served with distinction, earning the Bronze Star "for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the Japanese enemy on Okinawa, Shima, Ryukyu Islands... While serving as a sergeant guide of a rifle platoon of a Marine rifle company, Sergeant Harms, on 24 May 1945... led his platoon... to seize a ridge infested with enemy riflemen and mortars."

At Okinawa, Harms was wounded, abruptly terminating his plans to resume a baseball career upon his discharge. As a member of the reactivated 4th Marine Regiment, he participated in the initial occupation of Japan.

From the guide to the George W. and Marguerite Harms papers, Harms, George W. and Marguerite, 1909-1985, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)