World War II B-17 captain Doug Harris was a brilliant airman, but he was, foremost, a brilliant leader. He commanded 30 bombing missions over Germany; he led the 800-plane raid over Schweinfurt on March 24,1944. The target was heavily defended; losses included 38 U.S. bombers, 16 Allied fighters, and 83 enemy fighters.
Captain Harris' ships were often hit by flak and cannon fire. Burning up gun barrels while fighting off German fighters was not uncommon; limping home on two or three engines became commonplace. “When disaster loomed, [Doug's] quiet confidence and skill reassured those with him and carried them through,” recalled co pilot Fred Werth.
Douglas Lahroy Harris was born August 25,1917, in Wyoming, Delaware. He was graduated from high school in 1935, then Duke University with a BS degree in chemical engineering in 1939. He was commissioned in the Army Air Corps in December 1942.
Following his bombing tour, Captain Harris flew Britain's spirited de Havilland Mosquito with an American unit. His citations include the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action in an earlier Schweinfurt raid on August 17,1943, which history will record as the fiercest air battle ever fought.
On returning home in December 1944, he married Ruth McGinnis of Dover. He and a partner established a warehouse and van lines business, which they operated until retirement. Doug served seven terms on the Dover City Council, and six years as president of the YMCA. He was a volunteer at the Dover Air Force Museum.
Douglas L. Harris died on November 15,1998 at age 81. He and Ruth, who lives in Dover, were the parents of four: Michael of Milltown, Bruce (deceased), and Beth Arminger and Sue Harris-Hunt of Dover.
