Harlow Kenneth Halbower

CAPTAIN HARLOW KENNETH HALBOWER
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Killed in Action (KIA) – January 2, 1966

Harlow Kenneth Halbower was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1936, in Anthony, a small community in Harper County, Kansas. Raised with a strong Midwestern work ethic and an early call to service, Harlow earned an appointment to the newly established United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Entering as a member of the historic First Class—the Class of 1959—he was assigned to Cadet Squadron 05 (CS-05). Known for his leadership and dedication, Harlow walked the terrazzo during the foundational years of the Academy, forging bonds with the classmates who would spearhead the modernization of the Cold War-era Air Force.

MILITARY SERVICE AND SPECIALIZATION
Following graduation, Lieutenant Halbower entered undergraduate pilot training from 1959 to 1960. Displaying exceptional skill and airmanship, he was selected to remain in Air Training Command as an Instructor Pilot (IP). From 1961 to 1965, he served at Laredo Air Force Base in Texas, where he shaped the next generation of military aviators.

As conflict escalated in Southeast Asia, Capt. Halbower volunteered for operational duty, specializing as a Forward Air Controller (FAC). He was deployed to South Vietnam in 1965, assigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (19th TASS), operating under the 504th Tactical Group (initially the 505th Tactical Air Control Group) of the 13th Air Force.

HEROISM IN VIETNAM
Operating out of Bien Hoa Air Base under the call sign "Python FAC," Capt. Halbower flew the Cessna O-1F Bird Dog, a light, unarmored observation aircraft. His mission required flying at low altitudes over dense jungle terrain to scout out enemy troop movements, draw ground fire to identify positions, and direct precise air strikes. He directly supported the elite 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) B-33 unit out of Hớn Quản, becoming an invaluable guardian angel to the troops on the ground.

During his tour, Capt. Halbower demonstrated extraordinary bravery. On July 20, 1965, facing intense hostile fire and sub-marginal weather conditions, he successfully navigated his Bird Dog at low levels to repulse a heavy Viet Cong attack against friendly forces, an action that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V.”

By early January 1966, Capt. Halbower had flown approximately 300 hazardous combat missions.

THE FINAL MISSION
On January 2, 1966, Capt. Halbower was flying a low-level reconnaissance and direct air support mission near Mộc Hóa in the Hậu Nghĩa Province (approximately 15 to 18 miles west of Tân Sơn Nhứt), assisting a combined American and Australian ground task force.

Heavy automatic weapons fire erupted from the jungle, seriously threatening a friendly helicopter insertion. Disregarding his own safety, Capt. Halbower aggressively flew into the teeth of the enemy fire to target and direct air strikes onto the hostile positions. On his own initiative, he remained low over the raging battle to accurately spot and call out moving Viet Cong positions to the ground commander. His tactical skill and fearless dedication kept friendly casualties to an absolute minimum.

Tragically, during this intense engagement, his Cessna O-1F (S/N 57-2889) sustained devastating hits from hostile ground fire, causing it to crash. Captain Halbower was killed in action at the age of 29.

He holds the solemn distinction of being the first graduate from the USAFA Class of 1959 to give his life in the Vietnam War. He left behind a grieving wife, family, and a class of brothers-in-arms who would never forget his sacrifice. His name is permanently inscribed on Panel 04E, Line 50 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and he is buried in his hometown at Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas.

SERVICE SUMMARY
EDUCATION
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – BS, Class of 1959 (Cadet Squadron 5)
• USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training – 1959–1960

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Years Duty / Assignment Location
1959–1960 Student, Pilot Training Various USAF Training Bases
1961–1965 Instructor Pilot (IP) Laredo Air Force Base, Texas
1965–1966 Pilot, Forward Air Controller (O-1F Bird Dog), 19th TASS Bien Hoa Air Base / Hớn Quản, South Vietnam

MEDALS AND AWARDS
Award Description / Notes
Silver Star Awarded posthumously for conspicuous gallantry on Jan 2, 1966, protecting a friendly helicopter task force.
Distinguished Flying Cross (w/ Combat "V") Awarded for heroism during aerial flight on July 20, 1965, repulsing a Viet Cong attack in sub-marginal weather.
Purple Heart Awarded posthumously for wounds received in action resulting in his death.
Air Medal (with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters) Total of 12 Awards for completing approximately 300 aerial combat missions.
Air Force Presidential Unit Citation Awarded to the unit for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.
National Defense Service Medal For honorable active service during the Cold War / Vietnam era.
Vietnam Service Medal For service in the South Vietnam theater of operations.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (w/ Palm) Awarded by the Republic of Vietnam for valorous combat achievements.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Issued by the Government of South Vietnam for wartime service.