Miguel Nava '17
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ROBERT B. HARPER, LTJG, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Robert Harper '44

Date of birth: June 23, 1921

Date of death: February 20, 1946

Age: 24

Lucky Bag

From the 1944 Lucky Bag:

1944 Harper LB.jpg

Robert Bruce Harper

Creston, Iowa

Bruce was living proof that good men do come out of the Corn State. He ran them dizzy at battalion basketball and taught them how to pull an ace out of the hole. That little white ball plunking into the cup knew "R. B.'s" ability at golf. Studies? Well, Bruce did not wear stars, but "les arbres" seldom saw him among their grim branches. He had the knack for dodging trouble, and rarely did the little man with the sword have a chance to scream, "Get that man's name and initials." Even women have not been able to confuse Bruce and destroy his quiet amiability.


The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

1944 Harper LB.jpg

Robert Bruce Harper

Creston, Iowa

Bruce was living proof that good men do come out of the Corn State. He ran them dizzy at battalion basketball and taught them how to pull an ace out of the hole. That little white ball plunking into the cup knew "R. B.'s" ability at golf. Studies? Well, Bruce did not wear stars, but "les arbres" seldom saw him among their grim branches. He had the knack for dodging trouble, and rarely did the little man with the sword have a chance to scream, "Get that man's name and initials." Even women have not been able to confuse Bruce and destroy his quiet amiability.


The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

Bruce was lost when his FG-1D Corsair crashed near NAS Miami, Florida on February 20, 1946 while participating in night formation flying training. A contemporary newspaper reported "Harper was flying in a formation of six when he suddenly veered off and crashed in flames, Lieutenant (Jg) William B. Barrow, flight leader, reported."

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Robert's father Donn was an attorney, mother Alice, and sisters Mary and Janet.

Bruce has a memorial in Graceland Cemetery in Creston, Iowa.


Class of 1944

Robert is one of 66 members of the Class of 1944 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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