Printed black and white photograph of two officers signing autographs for two women with a scor…

Cecil E. Harris

BiographyCecil E. Harris, from South Dakota, was a naval aviator and World War II fighter ace. He first served on board the escort carrier USS Suwannee (CVE-27) in 1942. In 1944, Harris flew F6F Hellcats from the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11), as a member of Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18). He earned the Navy Cross for his actions on October 29, 1944, when Intrepid was operating in the Philippines. Harris shot down four Japanese aircraft on that date. With a total of 24 confirmed kills, Harris ended the war as the U.S. Navy's second-highest scoring ace.

After World War II, Harris worked as a teacher. During the Korean War, he was recalled from the reserves to active duty. He remained in the Navy until 1967, retiring as a captain. Harris died by suicide in a Virginia jail in 1981 after having been arrested for driving while intoxicated.

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