Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Hunter
Harris
, Jr.
November 27, 1909

–

March 5, 1987

Cemetery:

National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery

Hunter Harris attended the Virginia Military Institute and then graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1932. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1967 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Hunter Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-18808), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    13th Combat Bomb Wing

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 3 – 17, 1944
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 520 (November 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Hunter Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-18808), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 13th Combat Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in three heavy bombardment missions over Germany during the period from 3 October to 17 October 1944. As Commanding Officer of a Combat Wing, Colonel Harris led his units against heavily defended targets, deep in enemy territory, maintaining perfect air discipline despite adverse weather and fierce opposition. About two minutes before “bombs away” on the mission dispatched 17 October 1944, a direct flak burst seriously damaged his aircraft. With the navigator killed, and the pilot, bombardier and top turret gunner severely wounded, Colonel Harris, also wounded, remained cool. He assisted the pilot in regaining control of the aircraft which had gone into a spin. Flying without instruments, he headed the crippled bomber out of enemy territory, and after successfully eluding a jet-propelled fighter, made a safe landing at a friendly base. Colonel Harris’ courage, devotion to duty, and combat leadership on each of these missions were an inspiration to all serving under his command.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1961 – September 30, 1962
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-16 (1964)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General Hunter Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-18808), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, EIGHTH Air Force, Strategic Air Command, from 1 October 1961 to 30 September 1962. During this period, the forceful leadership and professional skill consistently demonstrated by General Harris immeasurably contributed to the continuous combat readiness of a large segment of the Strategic Air Command. General Harris’ outstanding and dedicated efforts resulted in the development of strategic air war concepts, integration of intercontinental ballistic missiles into the strategic force, establishment of the feasibility and practicability of certain electronic and missile operations, and the firm direction of support and maintenance operations of bombardment and tanker aircraft. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Harris reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Hunter Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-18808), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    1944 – 1945
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Hunter Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-18808), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the EIGHTH Air Force, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Harris and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Division:

    Pacific Air Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1961 – September 30, 1962

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Hunter Harris, Jr. (ASN: 0-18808), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces, from 1 August 1964 to 31 January 1967. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and professional ability of General Harris were significantly displayed in the massive buildup and commitment of Air Force elements against communist aggression in Southeast Asia. His personal efforts and outstanding diplomacy greatly enhanced the international prestige of the United States and were materially responsible for the successful accomplishment of United States objectives in the Pacific area. Throughout this period, General Harris has demonstrated qualities which are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Harris culminate a long and distinguished career of more than 34 years in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.