Robert Harriman Curtin (1917-2007) was born in Winchendon, Massachusetts, and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for one year before receiving his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated in 1939, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant assigned to the 11th Engineering Regiment, Canal Zone. In 1943, he was assigned briefly to the 30th Engineer Aviation Training Center, MacDill Field, Florida. The following year, he was sent to the European Theater, where he served in the Engineering Division of the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces. Later in the war and beyond, he served the Army Air Corps in roles related to tactical and other airfield construction in Europe. From 1946-1947, he served in assignments with the European Aviation Engineering Command, and as Air Engineer, U.S. Air Forces in Europe. After his service in Europe, Curtin attended and graduated from Harvard University, with a Master's Degree in civil engineering. He was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Air Force before attending the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. In 1954, he was again sent to Europe, serving in England as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Third Air Force. Upon his return to the U.S., he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. Following completion of this program, Curtin served in several command roles at Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, related to civil engineering and construction. In 1963, he was appointed Director of Civil Engineering, responsible for the management and direction of Air Force programs involving design, construction, maintenance and operation of real property facilities. He held this position until his retirement, effective May 1, 1968. Over the course of his thirty year Air Force career, Curtin received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and several foreign awards.
From the description of Curtin, Robert H. (Robert Harriman), 1916- (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10612391
