ROBERT B. HARPER, LTJG, USN
Robert Harper '44
Lucky Bag
From the 1944 Lucky Bag:
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.
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.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
