He attended the Virginia Military Institute, the University of Georgia, and graduated from the United States Military Academy as a second lieutenant of Infantry on June 10, 1932[4] and was detailed to the Army Air Corps for pilot flight training at Randolph Field and Kelly Field, Texas.

He became a rated pilot in October 1933 and was assigned to the Army Air Corps February 16, 1934, and was stationed at March Field, California, where he held various group and squadron positions.

General Harris assumed command of the 13th Combat Bomb Wing of the Eighth Air Force in September 1944, and then was assigned as deputy chief of staff for operations of the Third Bomber Division of the Eighth Air Force in the European Theater in December 1944.

In August 1947, he entered the Air War College at Maxwell Field, Alabama, graduating in June 1948.

Harris' awards include: This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Air Force