Harmon, Harold E., Sr., A1C

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I graduated high school in June of 1959 and really did not want to get a job and my mother was smothering me; I had planned to just take the summer off and enjoy myself. However, my parents had different plans for me. My dad started putting a lot of pressure on me to get a job and my mother was smothering me. At that time, I was subject to the draft and knew I would be serving somewhere; so, I wanted to be able to decide where I served so as to avoid the Army. I decided to join the U. S. Navy in order to see the world.

Along with a couple of friends of mine, I went to the Navy recruiter. When we walked into his office, the Chief had his feet propped up on his desk smoking a big cigar and said he had his quota for the month and would not take us until the following month. This would never do because I wanted to leave right away and get away from my parents. He suggested that we go next door to the Air Force recruiter. As soon as we entered the Air Force recruitment office, the recruiter handed us a Coke and started the enlistment paperwork. Since I was only 17 at the time, it was necessary for one of my parents to sign and give me permission. I tricked my dad by implying that he and mom both would have to sign, though I did not actually lie about it. They did not want me to join; in fact, my dad told me that I would not pass the physical. Within a few days, I was on my way to boot camp at Lackland AFB, TX, an Airman Basic, slick sleeve.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I completed 4 weeks of Basic Training at Lackland and then was transferred to Keesler AFB, MS, where I attended 46 weeks of electronics technical school (Navigation Radio and Radar Repair) finishing 4 more weeks of Basic Training while attending classes. I graduated from tech school in July 1960. I was then transferred to Nellis AFB, NV. After arriving at Nellis, I started training for my 5 level AFSC. After about a year, the base which had F-86sand F-100s got F-105Ds; and I received an additional week of technical training on the Doppler Navigation Radar installed in the F-105D. I remained at Nellis until the expiration of active duty. After I got released from the Air Force, I returned home to my home in Atlanta, Georgia. I got a job repairing dictation machines for Lanier Company and was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida. I joined the Air National Guard there and served for one year.

From 1968 to 1973 I worked on airborne radio and radar on Army helicopters and light prop planes for the Department of the Army at the Atlanta Army Depot as a civilian. We reworked most of the Uh-1H (Huey) helicopters shot down in Vietnam and sent them back to Southeast Asia. We never lost a single bird in transit.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Not really combat, officially. I did serve during the Cuban Missile Crisis (Oct. 19 to Oct. 28, 1962). We were on high alert during this time period, working 24 hours a day on the aircraft. As soon as we finished a "bird", it flew away and we did not see it until the Crisis was over. We worked to the point of exhaustion; I never want to do that again. The Sunday morning that the Crisis ended, I was ordered to grab my bag of uniforms and my toolbox and was given transportation to Base Operations where a plane would pick me up with a large group of techs. The plane never showed up. We figured we were on our way to invade Cuba. Thankfully, the Crisis ended, and we were ordered to stand down.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
After tech school, I was permanent party at only Nellis so I do not have any more duty stations to consider. I think, however, that I enjoyed the year I spent at Keesler AFB, MS, in tech school as my best duty station. The last year at Nellis was pretty enjoyable working on the Doppler radar on the F-105D. There were about 15 of us airmen who graduated from tech school together and were assigned to the 3591st Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron at Nellis. We worked closely together and enjoyed each others company. I still stay in contact with a couple of those guys. I guess Basic at Lackland was my least favorite, especially that week of bivouac where we marched every day several miles in the rain to run the obstacle course.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The Cuban Missile Crisis is the most memorable event in my life. It matured me beyond my years and left a lasting impression on me. It seems more important as each year goes by, and I am fiercely proud of what I did and accomplished during that time period. It bothers me that it has been forgotten along with the two World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
No, our government chose not to acknowledge the U. S. Military for their efforts during the Cuban Missile Crisis or for the Cold War veterans. I know what we went through and the sacrifices we made. Of course, all of our military makes sacrifices no matter where or when they serve. AND, their families likewise sacrifice, sometimes more than their loved ones.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
I did not receive any awards, even though I am eligible for the Good Conduct Ribbon. My government did not issue me one. This award was difficult to get during peacetime and was ridiculed by most. However, if you got a dishonorable discharge in those days, it was hard to get a job in civilian life. It was a coveted award, I assure you. In fact, I almost received an Article 15 just before I was discharged. Also at that time, the Air Force did not give out ribbons or medals. I understand that things changed after the Vietnam War.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
At Nellis, I had a Tech Sergeant who was a real leader and made an impact on my life. He was always encouraging us and helping any way he could. He became not only an NCOIC but a friend. I kept in touch with him until his death. I shall never forget TSgt. Fred Crist. Another NCO that I greatly admired was Sgt. Bob Craft.

LIST THE NAMES OF OLD FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATIONS, AND RECOUNT WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
There were about 12 to 15 of us that went to Nellis right after Tech School. Working together we got pretty close and were promoted to A1C about the same time. I do not remember all their names but will never forget them. We served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

They were Donald Anderson, James Flash Gordon, Howard Dodd, James Johnson, Muench, Donald Hauser, Hoetch, Donald Gruitt, John E. Watson, Edward Jaure, Sgt Farwell, McClugeon, Fred Kossin, Johnny Harper, and several I cannot name. We were a close bunch who helped each other out when the going got tough.

I keep in touch with Watson.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
When I reported to the Military Induction Center in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, I got there early before anyone was there. The building was unlocked, but no one was around. I had to use the restroom very badly and stumbled around in the dark looking for the Men's room. Finally, I found a bathroom and relieved myself. I thought the room looked strange, but washed my hands and left. As I walked out, I noticed the door which was pushed back and was labeled as Ladies. Just as I walked out two women came into the room. I said good morning Ladies as I beat a hasty retreat. They gave me a very disapproving look.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I got a job in electronics (based on my training in Air Force tech school) and have followed it since. I have worked in some type of electronics tech job for 50 plus years. I work full time in Product Development for an analytical instrument manufacturing company (I have worked for this company for 40 years).

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Air Force Association, Cold War Veterans and have memberships in several museums (Mighty Eighth Air Force museum & U.S. Military Museum).

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
One of the greatest benefits I have received from my time spent in the U.S. Air Force is that I learned a good work ethic; I learned to do what was necessary to get the job done regardless of the effort required to accomplish the goal. In other words, take no short cuts and do not dodge work. Do your part of the work; do it cheerfully and do not complain.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Take advantage of every opportunity you have while serving; travel, education OJT. Build your skills while you can; you never know when one of them will come in handy later.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and The USAF

I had hoped to reconnect with some of those I served with but have not been able to do so yet. I have, however, made some great friends in the forums and look forward to meeting them in person at the TWS reunion in Charleston, SC, next year.

DS 1/16/18