Harold Joseph "Harry" Bracken, 90 of Lexington Park, MD, died on July 28, 2013 at his residence.

Born August 24, 1922 in New York, he was the son of the late Catherine and Harry Bracken. Harry was the youngest child and only boy, and was spoiled by his four older sisters.

Harry married Doris Ann Kautz on September 27, 1943 while stationed in New Orleans, LA. She was the love of his life. They were always together and stayed together. They met in New York at age 15, and they celebrated 66 years together before her death in 2009.

Harry enlisted in the Navy right after graduating from high school in August of 1940. His mother had to give permission for him to go into active duty because of his young age. That was the beginning of his 26 year career in the US Navy. His service record and devotion to duty during times of national emergency included WW II, the Korean War, the Cuban and Dominican Republic crises, and the war in Vietnam. By virtue of honorable and faithful service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the American Theatre Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with "Europe" clasp, the American Defense Service Medal, the Antarctic Service Medal and the Good Conduct Award with seven stars.

In addition he received a Navy Unit Commendation for his action during DEEP FREEZE SIXTY. While serving with AIRDEVRON SIX, he participated as Place Captain on a flight from Naval Air Facility, McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, to Wilkes Station, Antarctica, (a distance of 1,170 nautical miles), to evacuate an Australian National. This flight was made to an unprepared snow field where the ski-equipped plane landed, after most of the flight was over previously uncharted territory. His voluntary participation in this international event earned him a Navy Unit Citation. On another mission they flew over a range of uncharted land and there was a peak named after each airman, his being call Bracken Peak.

During his career, Harry advanced from Seaman Recruit to Chief Petty Officer. His service as Flight Engineer, Plane Captain, Taxi Pilot and Quality Control Inspector on the C-130 aircraft was always outstanding in all respects. Harry retired in June 1966 from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station after 26 years of committed service. He continued to serve in a position of civil service with the base water department. During his tenure with the water department, he attained a Bachelor's Degree in Waste Management and was one semester shy of his Master's Degree. In his free time, he enjoyed doing research on the Civil War and military memorabilia, and adored his four legged companion "Doby". She has been with him since his wife's death.

Surviving Mr. Bracken are his children, Doris "Dolly" Shorback of Lexington Park, MD; Patricia Biscoe (John) of Valley Lee, MD; and Helen Philyaw (Jackie) of Lexington Park, MD; 6 Grandchildren, 12 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great Great-Grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was pre-deceased by his sisters, Anna Cahill, Catherine Bracken, Margaret Wallace and Helen McNally.

Family will receive friends for Mr. Bracken's Life Celebration on Saturday, August 3, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 p.m. Interment services will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to: Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053 or the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 N Bldg. A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.