Tarmacs and Trenches

Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, Jr. was the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces in the Pacific Oceans Area when he went missing in the Pacific on February 26, 1945. As AAFPOA, Harmon commanded one of the largest air organizations in history. Harmon's life as an airpower pioneer serves as a model for the modern, joint warfighting airman. Harmon began his career as a young infantry officer, graduating from the United States Military Academy. Within a few years, after transferring to the aviation section of the Army, Harmon flew in support of the Punitive Expedition in Mexico and over the hostile skies of Europe during World War I. In these formative years, Harmon formed life-long friendships with men who defined the United States Army and her air arm. Harmon commanded multiple organizations and air bases including France Field, Panama Canal Zone, Barksdale Field, Louisiana and Hamilton Field, California. Harmon spent two critical years serving as the Assistant Commandant of the Air Corps Tactical School. During his tenure, Harmon renovated an aging professional military education program and pushed for broad changes to the ACTS curriculum.