He graduated from Lawrence Academy, Groton, Massachusetts, in 1942, and then attended California College of Commerce in Long Beach from 1946 to 1948.

He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration by the college in 1956, when he completed requirements while assigned to the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Southern Methodist University.

He transferred to the personnel career field in 1945 and advanced to the grade of staff sergeant prior to his discharge from active duty in February 1946.

In August 1950, during the Korean War, Harlow was recalled to active duty and assigned as the personnel chief clerk, 5th and 9th Maintenance Squadrons, Travis Air Force Base, California.

This article incorporates public domain material from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Donald L. Harlow biography.