Hubert R. Harmon

Hubert R. Harmon
Name	Hubert R. Harmon
Birth date	3 April 1892
Death date	22 February 1957
Birth place	Chester, Pennsylvania
Death place	San Antonio, Texas
Placeofburial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army (1915–1947), United States Air Force (1947–1956)
Serviceyears	1915–1956
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands	Thirteenth Air Force, Sixth Air Force, Continental Air Command
Battles	World War I, World War II
Awards	Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal

Hubert R. Harmon was a senior officer in the United States Army and later the United States Air Force, whose career spanned both world wars and culminated in his foundational role as the first superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the concept of an independent air service academy into a tangible institution, shaping its initial curriculum, culture, and physical location. Harmon's distinguished service also included significant combat and command roles in the Pacific Theater during World War II and in key post-war organizations.

Early life and education

Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Harmon was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point from the state of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1915 as part of the storied "Class the Stars Fell On", which produced numerous future generals including Omar Bradley and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Following his graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps, he completed initial training at the Coast Artillery School at Fort Monroe in Virginia.

Military career

During World War I, Harmon served with American Expeditionary Forces artillery units in France. In the interwar period, he transitioned to the burgeoning United States Army Air Service, earning his pilot wings and serving in various staff and command positions. His expertise led to assignments at the Air Corps Tactical School and with the General Headquarters Air Force. During World War II, he commanded the Thirteenth Air Force in the South Pacific, directing air operations in support of campaigns in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago. He later commanded the Sixth Air Force, responsible for the defense of the Panama Canal Zone and the Caribbean.

Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy

Following the establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate service in 1947, Harmon was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy Board to plan the new service academy. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower selected him as the first permanent superintendent. Harmon oversaw the critical early development of the academy, including the selection of its initial site at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado and the establishment of its inaugural academic and military training programs. He laid the philosophical groundwork for the institution before the permanent campus at Colorado Springs was completed.

Later life and death

After retiring from active duty in 1956 with the rank of lieutenant general, Harmon resided in San Antonio, Texas. He passed away on 22 February 1957 from a heart attack. Following funeral services at Fort Sam Houston, he was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Awards and decorations

Harmon's military decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. He also received the World War I Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Legacy

Harmon is revered as the "Father of the Air Force Academy." The academy's Harmon Hall, the primary administration building, is named in his honor. His portrait hangs prominently in the academy's Stillman Hall, and the Air Force Academy presents the annual Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon Award for outstanding contributions to military aerospace education. His vision and leadership ensured the United States Air Force Academy began its mission of developing leaders of character for the United States Air Force and the nation.

Category:United States Air Force generals Category:United States Air Force Academy superintendents Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (United States Army)