Harry W. Harrison Jr.

Harry W. Harrison Jr. was a highly experienced naval aviator during World War II. In his diary, which is part of the Intrepid Museum's collection, he recorded his service dates with a number of squadrons during the war. His first squadron was Escort Scouting Squadron 30 (VGS-30). He served with that squadron from March 9, 1942 to February 15, 1943. He then shifted to Fighting Squadron 1 (VF-1). Starting in July 1943, he served with Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5) and served as the executive officer for that squadron. In October 1943, Harrison assumed command of Fighting Squadron 6 (VF-6), relieving renowned naval aviator Edward "Butch" O’Hare. Harrison was a lieutenant commander by this time. The squadron came on board the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) in January 1944. In February, the ship was struck by a torpedo, and the squadron left the ship when it returned to the Pearl Harbor for repairs. Following his Intrepid service, Harrison returned to the U.S. and served as a U.S. Navy flight instructor.