Noel A. Harris, Jr.

Description:

First Lieutenant Noel A. Harris, Jr., United States Army, deceased. 1964 alum of Strawberry High School and 1968 graduate of Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. Lieutenant Harris, commissioned in Infantry, was trained as a Bell AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter pilot and was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Vietnam, September 1969. He was Killed In Action, March 22, 1970. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, three Air Medals, one with “V” device for valor, and two posthumous awards: the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. Lieutenant Harris is a member of the Arkansas State University ROTC Hall of Heroes.

https://www.astate.edu/a/military-science/hall-of-heroes/harris-noel/index.dot

First Lieutenant Noel Harris Distinguished Flying Cross narrative reads: “For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: First Lieutenant Harris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while servicing as aircraft commander of a helicopter gunship flying in support of a friendly ground force which was under attack six miles northeast of Cao Mau. In an attempt to locate the exact enemy positions and draw enemy fire away from the friendly elements, he made a mini-gun pass over the contact area receiving small arms and machine gun fire but was unable to detect the exact source. On his second mini-gun pass, he again was subjected to intense automatic weapons fire and this time located the enemy positions. In an effort to stop the enemy force from overrunning the friendly forces, he immediately made a rocket run. Diving head on into the enemy fire, he was hit by enemy ground fire losing control of the aircraft. First Lieutenant Harris’ personal bravery in the face of the enemy, exemplary professionalism, and complete disregard for his safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”

More Info:

Lt. Rodney Willis, pilot flying the LOH helicopter

Phu Loi Base Camp

Showers

Hot Line as these were the “Slicks” were ready to go at any time

Orderly Room for Troop D (AIR), 1st. SQN 4th CAV, Darkhorse

Noel’s crewchief, James Red, from Mississippi.

nose turret of their cobra helicopters

Lt. Harris' "office"

Lt. Noel A. Harris, Jr. with Lt. Charles L Hokonson, Jr. "ARP Platoon Leader"

Lt. Harris with WO1 Bruce Thomas, a “slick pilot” and also one of his hootch mates

Vung Tau Beach in Southern Vietnam

Lt. Noel Austin Harris, Jr “Darkhorse 34”

Highway 13, Thunder Road

Aerial View of the Base Camp

Rice Fields

Runway at Phu Loi

Intersection of Saigon and Thi Thinh Rivers

Noel and Donna in Hawaii on R & R, at Ft. DeRussy Beach at Waikiki, Hawaiian Luau

Noel on Koko Beach, Hawaii while on R & R, March, 1970

Captain Larry Kauffman, Body Escort for Lt. Noel A. Harris, Jr.

Noel's daughter and her family.

Grandson, Peyton Garrett McNeely, made this exhibit for his “Poppa” to leave at the Vietnam Wall, March 22, 2016.

Grandson, Austin Coleman McNeely, made this exhibit for his “Poppa” to leave at the Vietnam Memorial, Washington, D.C.., March 22, 2016.

Noel’s name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., Panel 12w, Line 23.

Noel’s family at the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C., March 22, 2016, leaving memorabilia made in his honor on the day of his death.

Name of Lt. Noel A. Harris, Jr. on memorial at Ft. Rucker, Dothan, Alabama

Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Little Rock listing names on the wall. Grandson Peyton is pointing to Noel’s name .

Donna Harris at the Moving Wall That Heals, Memorial Day Weekend, 2019 in Paragould, Arkansas

Austin Coleman McNeely, participated in reading of the names at the Veteran's Ceremony, November 10, 2017 at The Vietnam Memorial Wall. He got to read his Poppa's name.

Washington D. C. at The Hamilton hotel. It was the 35th anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial Wall honoring the designer, Maya Lin. This picture is from L-R: Donna C. Harris, Maya Lin, and Austin C. McNeely.

This collage exhibit depicts a history of Noel’s family and his military experience while serving in Vietnam. (Can you see the writing around the collage picture)? It was also left at the Wall in his honor.

Lawrence County Memorial in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

Ward Cemetery, Strawberry, Arkansas

Donna and Noel Harris during his Arkansas State University ROTC pinning ceremony

Formal Military Function while on TDY, 1969, before birth of Noel’s Daughter

Noel’s hootch mate, Lt. Stuart Harrell, taken Christmas Day, 1968, at Phu Loi Airbase. Stu says that was a diet soda in his hand.

Lieutenant Harris' hootch