Harris, Hunter, 1909-1987

General Hunter Harris (1909-1987) was commander in chief of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces, 1964-1967. He earned his pilot's wings in 1933 and served in the European theater during World War II. His command over forces in Southeast Asia after the war involved him in strategic planning during the Vietnamese conflict.

Hunter Harris (b. 1909, Fort Sam Houston, Texas-d. March 5, 1987), General in the U.S. Air Force, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1932, qualified as a pilot the following year, and in 1934 was assigned to the Army Air Corps. During World War II, he was commander of the 447th Bomb Group and the 13th Combat Bomb Wing of the 8th Air Force, and later was assigned as deputy chief of staff for operations of the 3rd Bomber Division of the 8th Air Force in the European Theater, flying 25 combat missions. After holding a number of administrative positions at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and graduating from the Air War College, General Harris was assigned as commander of the Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii. He retired from Air Force service in 1967.