Harold R. Harris

Harold Ross Harris (December 20, 1895^[1] – July 28, 1988) was a notable American test pilot and U.S. Army Air Force officer who held 26 flying records. He made the first flight by American pilots over the Alps from Italy to France, successfully tested the world's first pressurized aircraft, was the first airman to safely escape from an aircraft by "bailing out" using a free-fall parachute.^[2][3]

Harold Ross Harris
Harold R. Harris in 1950.
Born	(1895-12-20)December 20, 1895 Chicago, Illinois
Died	July 28, 1988(1988-07-28) (aged 92) Falmouth, Massachusetts
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Army Air Forces
Service years	1917–1929, 1942–1946
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands	Chief of Staff, Air Transport Command
Conflicts	World War I World War II
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Air Medal
Other work	vice-president of Pan American Airways

Harris circa 1922

The wreckage of Harris's airplane

Harold R. Harris died in his home in Falmouth, Massachusetts on July 28, 1988, at age 92.^[4]

Decorations

USAF Command Pilot wings
1st Row	Army Distinguished Service Medal						Legion of Merit				Air Medal
2nd Row	World War I Victory Medal with battle clasp				American Campaign Medal				European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two service stars				World War II Victory Medal
3rd Row	Commander of the Order of the British Empire				Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy				Order of Abdon Calderón (Ecuador)				Officer of the Order of the Sun (Peru)