Harold McNeese was born April 15, 1918 in Chicago, IL. He entered the US Army Aviation Cadet Program in December 1941. Graduated Class of 42 F as Rated Pilot and 2nd Lt., US Army Reserve.

He served two complete and successive combat tours in the South Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. The first was as a B-24 aircraft commander, 307th Bomb Group, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; the second as aircraft commander (B-29) and Lead Crew commander with the 39th Bomb Group, 20th Air Force, Guam, M.I.  Commanded the 62nd Bomb Squadron, 39th Bomb Group during the latter part of WWII.

Combat Decorations: Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with OLC, Air Medal with 8 OLC; Purple Heart, JSCM w/OLC; Air Force Commendation Medal with OLC and American Campaign Medal.

Commissioned Regular USAF in 1947. Served in several various command and staff positions in the US, Europe (NATO), and Southeast Asia. Retired as Colonel, USAF in 1970.

Following retirement, employed by the Office of Emergency Prepardness, Executive Office of the President, as Emergency Plans Officer. Retired from the US Civil Service in 1980.  Thereafter, for several years, served as consultant to various research organizations in the Washington DC area.

Education:

1950 - BS, Foreign Service, Georgetown, University

1955 - MA Government, George Washington University

1972 - M/Philosophy, International Relations, George Washington University

Graduated Armed Forces Staff College, NATO Defense College and Industrial College of Armed Forces.

Married, four children and 5 grandchildren.

Resident of McLean, VA.

Major McNeese died February 21, 1995