Harold Gilbert Ruffner was the son of William Henry Ruffner and Zella Jackson. He was a graduate of South Harriman High School, class of 1935;
He was killed 7 May 1942 at Coral Sea. His brother, Elbert Ruffner, SHHS class of 1940, served with the Marines.
Served on the U.S.S. Sims (409). During the forenoon of May 7, 1942, while acting as anti-submarine escort for, and patrolling station ahead for the U.S.S. Neosho (AO-23) the U.S.S. Sims was attacked and sunk by Japanese bombers in the Coral Sea.
He is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery, Philippines
- Rank: Electricians Mate Second Class
- Date of birth: 26 December 1916
- Date of death: 7 May 1942
- County: Roane
- Hometown: Harriman
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Sims (DD-409)
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Battles: Coral Sea
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XVII, Top Panel
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