Columbia, South Carolina – Governor Henry McMaster has directed flags be flown at half-staff at the South Carolina State Capitol and across all state and municipal buildings on Thursday in a solemn tribute to a distinguished military leader. This gesture honors the late Colonel Myron Charles Harrington, Jr., a highly esteemed person in both military and academic spheres whose lifetime of service changed his country and state.
Graduating from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, 1960, Colonel Harrington spent three decades serving the U.S. Marine Corps, where he embodied the qualities of bravery and leadership. Especially during one of the most violent episodes of the Vietnam War, the Tet Offensive, his military career is remembered for its bravery and strategic acumen.
Harrington led his troops through the taxing Battle of Hué on February 23, 1968, then as the commanding commander of Delta Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines. Later on, his acts during the conflict were honored with the Navy Cross, evidence of his remarkable bravery under fire.
Governor McMaster’s order to lower the flags from sunrise to sunset is a mark of deep respect for Harrington’s significant contributions.
Governor McMaster’s office explained that Colonel Harrington embodied the absolute best of our armed services and the values of service to one’s nation; thus, it is only fair that we remember his death with this symbolic action.
Beyond his notable military service, Colonel Harrington continued to influence future leaders through his involvement with his alma mater. At The Citadel, he served with distinction on the Board of Visitors, eventually leading it as chairman. His efforts were essential in determining the institution’s policies and direction, thus ensuring that it stayed the pillar of discipline and leadership.
The lowering of the flags honors Harrington’s wartime bravery as well as his civic service and relentless dedication to produce moral leaders. This honor reaches all those who profit from his legacy at The Citadel and beyond across the state.
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As the state observes this day of remembrance, the community reflects on the values Colonel Harrington espoused—duty, honor, and an enduring dedication to the service of others. His life’s work continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, serving as a guiding light for both military and civilian pursuits. South Carolina pauses to remember a hero who, even in his absence, continues to lead the way forward.
