After multiengine training at Enid, Oklahoma, he was assigned to the Bombardment Wing at Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz., in October 1946.

He accumulated crew duty experience in the B-29, B-47 and B-50 aircraft before moving to a staff position as chief of operations and plans.

Harris returned to the United States in December 1957 and served in the War Plans Branch, Headquarters SAC, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

He subsequently was assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., where he served as a B-52 operations officer and squadron commander.

Harris received a master's degree in international affairs from The George Washington University while attending the Naval War College in 1964.

Harris was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on February 2, 1978, when he was appointed as Vice Commanders-in-Chief of the Strategic Air Command.

His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation emblem with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon with three oak leaf clusters and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm.