A prominent feature at Gate 2 of Arnold Air Force Base stands as a tribute to the late Major General Winfield S. Harpe – an F-16 Fighting Falcon, resplendent in its dedication to a distinguished career and a life devoted to the United States Air Force.
Major General Harpe’s story is one of unwavering commitment. His journey began in Thomaston, Georgia, in 1937. A distinguished alumnus of Florida State University, he graduated in 1959 with a degree in economics and was swiftly commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
With a burning passion for aviation, Harpe pursued his wings and achieved them in September 1960, completing basic flying training at Craig Air Force Base, Alabama. His career path then soared through fighter aircraft. He ventured into the thrilling realm of combat, flying 100 missions over North Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 while stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.
His remarkable journey continued as he served as an F-105 instructor pilot at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and even delved into F-4 Phantoms at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
Major General Harpe’s accomplishments were many, including graduating from Air Command and Staff College in 1970, acting as F-86 Sabre advisor to the Royal Thai Force in Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, and negotiating the bed down of a full U.S. Air Force fighter wing there.
With transitions and challenges, Harpe flew missions over Hanoi, North Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and the Republic of Vietnam. His dedication was unwavering. He served in various high-ranking positions, from commanding the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, to becoming the commander of the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service.
Tragically, Major General Winfield S. Harpe lost his life in an F-16 aircraft crash during a training mission in Madrid, Spain, on December 5, 1988. At the time of his death, he was the highest-ranking active-duty officer to die in an F-16.
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