Some men live their lives as if they were forged from something stronger than the rest of us. Major Walter “Bucky” Harris, USMC (Ret.), was one of those men. A Marine fighter pilot in WWII and Korea, he endured 16 months as a prisoner of war, never breaking, never bending, leading from the front even in captivity. His story is one of resilience, duty, and an unshakable will, one that stayed with him long after his uniform came off.
Born in 1921 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Harris grew up knowing hardship. His father died when he was just three, leaving his mother to raise three children through sheer grit and determination. She prioritized education, ensuring he attended top schools on scholarship, where he excelled both academically and athletically. When World War II broke out, Harris left the University of Virginia to join the Marines, training as a fighter pilot.
It was during his training in Pensacola, Florida, that he met Genia Murchison, the woman who would become his wife. They married just before he shipped out to the Pacific, where he flew F4U Corsairs in combat. After the war, Harris left active duty for a time, working in the private sector before his reserve unit was reactivated for the Korean War.
In 1952, while on a mission over the Chinese border, Harris’ aircraft was shot down. For sixteen months, he was listed as missing in action, his family left in agonizing uncertainty. He endured brutal conditions as a prisoner of war, suffering both physical and psychological torture. Despite this, he remained a leader among the captured Marines, bolstering morale and resisting his captors to the best of his ability. For his actions, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, and his conduct was later cited in the Marine Corps Handbook as an example of how a Marine should act under duress.
After his release, Harris remained in the Marine Corps, transitioning to helicopters and eventually earning the prestigious role of Presidential Command Pilot. For twenty years, he flew Marine One, transporting six U.S. Presidents—Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter. His steady hand and unwavering professionalism made him a trusted presence in the highest circles of power.
When he retired from the Marines in 1969, he and Genia settled in Maryland, where he embraced a quieter life filled with vegetable gardening, church service, and time with his family. He found new purpose in helping his neighbors, playing tennis, and working in chemistry once again before fully retiring in 1987. Even in his final years, he remained active and engaged, never losing the drive that had defined his life.
On September 17, 1993, after returning from a tennis match, Harris suffered a ruptured aorta and passed away at the age of 72. His legacy, however, lives on, not just in the history books, but in the lives of those he touched, including his wonderful daughter, Emmylou Harris, whose music I have adored for years. She honored him with her song Bang the Drum Slowly, a tribute as heartfelt and timeless as her talent.
Major “Bucky” Harris embodied resilience, leadership, and quiet strength. Whether in the cockpit, a prison camp, or a garden, he lived with purpose and integrity. No easy day, indeed.
Hugs to Emmylou.
Semper Fi Major! Rest in Peace Sir.
~Cpl Beddoe
Bucky. Was my mentor as a new 2/lt helo pilot in 1956 at New River. One of the finest and most respected Marines I ever had the pleasure of serving with! He would have been proud if he could have seen me go forward and become another Fighter Pilot flying the F8 Crusader the last true Gunfighter! God rest his soul and bless Emmy Lou!
How can Bucky Harris fly Marine One for Ford and Carter as he retired in 1969?
And, Nixon didn’t take office until 1969.