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Harold Ross Harris

The derivation of Harold is from the Scandinavian, meaning "army and power."  It fits.

Harold Harris has had a tiger in his tank for 50 years.  His early career as an Army test pilot was brilliant and filled with bravado, and his later career as the man who set up the plans division of the Air Transport Command, during World War II, later becoming Chief of Staff for the ATC, contributed greatly in moving men and materiel.

In making the first pressurized aircraft ever flown, Lt. Harris nearly lost his life, while stationed at McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio.  The test, conducted June 8, 1921, was made in a D-9A observation plane.  (The first commercial flight with a pressurized aircraft was made on July 8, 1940, by a Boeing Strato-liner from Burbank, California, to Long Island.)

1923 was an especially busy year at McCook.  Between March and November, Harold established two world speed records over two different courses, conducted initial tests on the six-engine Barling bomber, the biggest airplane in the world, and established several weight-carrying records with the giant.  He later pioneered use of aerial crop dusting in the southern U.S. and Peru.

While in Peru, the thought occurred to Harold that he might be of more service, so he established Peruvian Airways, which later merged with Panagra.  Following World War II, he served as a VP for American Overseas Airline, Pan American, and president of Northwest Orient.

[[image - small drawing of a propeller]]

Harold Ross Harris:  born Chicago, Ill., December 20, 1895.

[[image No. 67 - black & white photograph of Harold Harris (center) and four other men in front of Barling bomber]]

[[image No. 68 - black & white photograph of Harold Harris during aircraft pressurization tests, 1921]]

[[caption]] A pleased Harold Harris, center, during August, 1923, tests of Barling bomber (67).  From left, Walter Henry Barling, designer, Maj. Gen. Mason Mathews Patrick, Chief of Army Air Service, Harris, and Lt. Muir Stephen Fairchild, with officer at right not identified.  Harris and Fairchild later became brigadier generals.  (68) Harris at time of first aircraft pressurization tests, 1921. [[/caption]]