Robert Harris served in the US Navy during World War II as a LT(JG) and Pilot of a F6F-5 Hellcat Fighter, Fighter Squadron 7, Carrier Air Group 7 stationed aboard the USS Hancock which joined the Pacific Fleet in September 1944. On October 23 the unit was assisting in the search for units of the Japanese fleet reportedly closing Leyte to challenge the American fleet. On October 28, 1944, Lt. Harris was declared missing in action off Manila, Philippines. On October 30, 1945, he was declared dead while missing. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Cross, and an Air Medal with a Gold Star. According to his commendation, he was "flying as escort for a photographic plane over a target and boldly launched a determined counter assault against four enemy fighters attacking the photographic plane thus disrupting the attack, shooting down one plane and making possible the successful completion of the photographic mission." Lt. Harris is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.
