Thomas Switzer Harris
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Thomas Switzer Harris, 88, of New Haven, Mo., formerly of Tamaroa, passed away at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the home of his daughter in New Haven, Mo.
Tommy was born April 21, 1921, at Tamaroa, Ill., the son of John W. and Lois T. (Switzer) Harris. He had also lived many years in rural Sandoval, Ill.
He entered the U.S. Navy in 1942 from the University of Illinois and was designated a naval aviator and received his wings at Pensacola NAS in Pensacola, Fla. in May of 1943. He served overseas in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre with squadrons VF-18 and VF-17 aboard the famed U.S.S. Bunker Hill and the U.S.S. Hornet. He was involved in many combat missions including the invasions of Tarawa, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa and numerous other raids including Truk, New Britain, and Kavieng. He earned the prestigious "Fighter Ace" designation after downing nine enemy planes with his F-6F Hellcat. He was awarded two Presidential citations, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medals. In 1948, he became a member of the Navy's first jet squadron, flying the FH-1 Phantom and the F-2H Banshee. Tommy had served in World War II and the Korean War.
He resigned from the U.S. Navy in 1954 with the rank of Commander to pursue a career as an engineering test pilot. His first job was with North American Aviation and he was involved with armament testing on FJ-12 and F-86H. Later he worked at McDonnell Douglas Corporation where he was chief engineering test pilot and active in evaluation of the F-101, F-3, and F-4. Following this, was a year with the FAA Eastern Region in New York involved in certification of the Grumman Gulf Stream II. Later, he was engaged in General Aviation as instructor, charter, and taxi pilot.
In the 1980's, Tom changed careers and entered the medical field by first becoming an R.N. and then became a P.A. by attending St. Louis University. He worked closely with Dr. J. Beguelin in Irvington, Ill.
He was a life-long member of V.F.W., American Legion, Combat Pilots Association, The Tailhook Association and Naval Aviation Museum Foundation member. He was a member of Fighter Aces Association, Museum of Flight, and American Academy of Physicians Assistants. He was also an inductee into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his three children - Lynne Sommers of Alexander, Ark., Susan Hibler of New Haven, Mo., and John M. Harris of St. Louis, Mo., one son-in-law - Dennis Hibler, six grandchildren - Shelly Steele, Shana Hibler, Sheri Hibler, Thomas M. Harris, Elizabeth Harris, and Joseph Harris, and one great grandchild - Blake Steele.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother - Fenton Harris and his former wife - Evelyn A. (Robinson) Harris.
Graveside services were at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Antioch Cemetery at Tamaroa with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Those attending the service were asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.
Burial was in the Antioch Cemetery at Tamaroa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and were accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa was in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.