Former POW offers wisdom to 08-10 graduates

  • Published
  • By Airman Josh Harbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Retired Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris spoke at the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 08-10 graduation June 6 at Kaye Auditorium. 

Colonel Harris is credited with teaching the tap code to other prisoners during his time as a prisoner of war for eight years in Vietnam, which was used for prisoners to communicate between cells. 

"The keys to our success are that we are not different or special from other Air Force and Navy pilots, but our training and values, when needed, gave us the opportunity to step up to significant challenges," said Colonel Harris in his speech to the newest class of graduates. 

Before retiring, he flew fighter aircraft and served as an instructor pilot, operations officer and faculty member at the Air War College. 

Colonel Harris related his success to his trying experience as a POW in Vietnam, where he was confined, mistreated and tortured over eight years in various prisons.
During his career in the Air Force, he received two Silver Star medals, three Legion of Merit medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars for valor, two Air medals and two Purple Hearts. He retired from the Air Force in 1979. 

Since his retirement, he entered the Mississippi Bar in 1981 after graduating from the University of Mississippi law school. He was subsequently involved in banking, law and marketing. 

Also during his visit to Columbus AFB, Colonel Harris was able to take flight in CAFB's newest aricraft, the T-6 Texan II.

In his closing statements, Colonel Harris said to the graduates, "You now have joined the elite band of men and women who, through war and peace, have worn with pride and honor those same wings you have received today."