REMEMBERING COLONEL CARLYLE "SMITTY" HARRIS (RET.)
Congressional Record Vol. 171, No. 120
(Senate - July 14, 2025) PDF
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is a profound honor to pay tribute
to the late U.S. Air Force Colonel Carlyle Smith "Smitty" Harris of
Tupelo, Mississippi, an American hero who spent 8 years as a Prisoner
of War in Vietnam.
A courageous Air Force pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines, he
displayed remarkable bravery and heroism enduring torture, solitary
confinement, and abuse in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton."
Colonel Harris' strength and determination left an indelible mark on
American history. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris enlisted in the Air Force
in January 1951 and earned his pilot wings in 1953. After years of
advanced pilot training and as a flight instructor, he was stationed at
Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, in 1964.
On April 4, 1965, while flying the F-105 fighter-bomber over North
Vietnam, his plane was shot down behind enemy lines. He was captured
immediately and forced to march to the nearest village, surrounded by
angry and armed captors. He had no idea what horrors awaited him in the
infamous Hoa Lo prison, better known to most Americans by its nickname:
the "Hanoi Hilton."
As the sixth American pilot captured in the air war over North
Vietnam, Colonel Harris joined the ranks of hundreds of other American
prisoners of war, including future Senator John McCain and Medal of
Honor recipient George "Bud" Day, who would suffer years of brutal
captivity. While imprisoned, Colonel Harris displayed profound
ingenuity and resilience. He recalled the Tap Code--an old World War
II-era method of communication by tapping on water pipes--and teaching
it to his fellow POWs. The Tap Code became a vital lifeline for the
POWs, allowing them to maintain contact, boost morale, and resist their
North Vietnamese captors' efforts to isolate them. Colonel Harris is
credited with helping to save hundreds of lives by preserving the
prisoners' sanity and fostering a sense of unity amid brutal
conditions. His sacrifice, endurance, and leadership exemplify the
highest ideals of service and heroism.
Equally inspiring is the strength and faith of his wife Louise
Lambert Harris, who gave birth to their third child just 42 days after
her husband's capture. Through all the years of uncertainty and
separation, Louise remained a steadfast source of hope, not only for
her own family but for other POW families as well. Her encouragement
and support served as a beacon for others enduring similar hardship.
Colonel Harris was finally released from captivity on February 12,
1973, and retired from the Air Force in 1979. For his bravery and
service over the course of his military career, he earned numerous
decorations, including two Silver Stars, three Legion of Merits, the
Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars for valor, two Air Medals,
two Purple Hearts, and two Commendation Medals.
After his release from captivity and meeting his 8-year-old son for
the first time and reuniting with his two daughters who were now young
ladies, Harris and Louise vowed never to waste another day. They
faithfully kept that vow, constantly living life to the fullest and
cherishing their lives together. Following his service, this son of
Mississippi earned degrees in law and banking. He became a community
leader and an advocate for veterans and youth. In 2019, he wrote the
bestselling book, "Tap Code, The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW
and the Secret Code That Changed Everything."
Colonel Carlyle "Smitty" Harris, a man of deep faith, passed away
on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Tupelo, MS. He was a true Mississippi hero
whose courageous service helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.
I join everyone from around the Nation who honor Smitty Harris'
extraordinary life, his legacy of resilience, and his contributions to
our Nation. I also express my deepest condolences to Louise, their
children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
May Colonel Carlyle "Smitty" Harris' story continue to inspire
future generations to serve with honor, courage, and compassion.