Marcelite J. Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maj. Gen Marcelite J. Harris
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U.S. Air Force Photo
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| Birth name | Marcelite Jordan |
| Born | 16 January 1943 Houston, Texas |
| Died | 7 September 2018 (aged 75) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1965–97 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit | United States Air Force Academy |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
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| Spouse(s) | Lt. Col. Maurice Harris |
| Children | Lt. Col. Steven Harris Tenecia Harris |
Marcelite J. Harris (born January 16, 1943 – died September 7, 2018) was an amazing American woman. She made history by becoming the first African-American female general in the United States Air Force. This means she reached a very high rank in the military!
Contents
Early Life and Air Force Career
Marcelite Jordan was born in Houston, Texas. She went to Spelman College and earned a degree in speech and drama. After college, she joined the Air Force in 1965. She completed Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
Breaking Barriers in the Air Force
Marcelite Harris was a true pioneer. She was the first female aircraft maintenance officer. This meant she was in charge of keeping planes in good working order. She was also one of the first two women to be an air officer commanding at the United States Air Force Academy. This role involves guiding and training cadets. Later, she became the Air Force's first female Director of Maintenance.
She even worked at the White House as a social aide during the time of President Carter. Her dedication earned her many important awards. These include the Bronze Star Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Reaching the Top Rank
In 1997, Marcelite Harris retired from the Air Force. She held the rank of Major General. At that time, she was the highest-ranking female officer in the Air Force. She was also the highest-ranking African-American woman in the entire Department of Defense.
After leaving the military, she continued to serve her country. She worked for NASA with United Space Alliance. This company helped manage the nation's space shuttle program. She was the Florida Site Director for their logistics. Besides her degree from Spelman, she also earned a business degree from the University of Maryland University College. In 1999, Spelman College gave her an honorary doctorate degree. She was also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Later Contributions and Public Service
After her military and NASA careers, Marcelite Harris stayed active in public service. She was the Treasurer for the Atlanta branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works for equal rights for all people. She also served on the board of the Peachtree Hope Charter School.
In 2010, President Barack Obama chose her for an important role. She became a member of the Board of Visitors for the United States Air Force Academy. This board helps make sure the Academy is doing its best. They look at things like student morale, teaching, and finances.
Personal Life
Marcelite Harris was married to Lt. Col. Maurice Harris. They had two children, Steven and Tenecia. She was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in 2019. Her husband was also buried there.
Awards and Honors
Marcelite Harris received many awards for her service and achievements.
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Master Maintenance Badge |
| Military Decorations | |
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Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Bronze Star Medal |
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Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster |
| Unit Awards | |
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Presidential Unit Citation |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device; silver, and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (Second ribbon for spacing) |
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Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with bronze oak leaf cluster |
| Campaign and Service Medals | |
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National Defense Service Medal with bronze Service star |
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Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars |
| Other Service Awards | |
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Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon |
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Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon with bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Training Ribbon |
| Foreign Awards | |
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Other Achievements and Recognition
- 1990: Woman of the Year by the National Organization of Tuskegee Airmen.
- 1990: Listed in "Who's Who Among Black Americans" and "Who's Who in America."
- 1990: Named Outstanding Young Woman of America.
- 1991: Recognized as "Most Prestigious Individual" by Dollars and Sense Magazine.
- 1992: Received the "Woman of Enterprise" award.
- 1995: Honored with the "Women of Distinction" Award.
- 1995: Recognized as a "Military African American Woman" for her work in the Department of Defense.
- 1995: Awarded "Black Woman of Courage."
- 1996: Received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
- 2010: Given the "Trailblazer Award" by the Black Girls Rock Foundation.
Promotions Through the Ranks
Marcelite Harris steadily rose through the ranks in the Air Force. Here are her promotions:
| Insignia | Rank | Date |
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Major General | May 25, 1995 |
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Brigadier General | May 1, 1991 |
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Colonel | September 1, 1986 |
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Lieutenant Colonel | October 1, 1981 |
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Major | April 1, 1975 |
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Captain | December 21, 1969 |
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First Lieutenant | January 21, 1967 |
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Second Lieutenant | December 21, 1965 |
