General Harpe died during an attempted forced landing after a technical failure while on a routine training mission outside of Madrid, in Spain.

Harpe was a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in July 1959.

After initial flying duties in KC-135 Stratotankers at Beale Air Force Base, California, he received transition training to F-105 Thunderchiefs; and earned the outstanding graduate award.

He returned to the United States in September 1967 and was assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, as an F-105 instructor pilot with the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing.

In August 1972 Harpe was assigned to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing and received transition training in A-7D Corsair IIs at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina.

He then returned with the wing to Thailand for combat operations from Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base.

Harpe was buried in Section 7-A of Arlington National Cemetery, beneath a stone which reads: "A noble man.