Jennifer Jean Harris

She flew into dangerous combat zones to carry the wounded to safety. On her final mission, Captain Jennifer Jean Harris was helping deliver blood needed by injured servicemen when her helicopter was shot down over Iraq.

Born on 6 November 1978, Harris grew up in Swampscott, Massachusetts, where she developed a love of sailing and a commitment to helping others. After graduating from Swampscott High School in 1996, she entered the United States Naval Academy. She studied political science, competed in intercollegiate sailing and participated in charitable and community activities. She graduated in 2000 and accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps.

After completing The Basic School and naval aviation training, Harris earned her Wings of Gold on 13 September 2002. She trained on the CH-46 Sea Knight with Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164 before joining Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, the Purple Foxes. She became the squadron's first female pilot and completed advanced weapons and tactics training.

Known to friends by the nickname and call sign “Dove,” Harris completed three deployments to Iraq in 2003, 2005 and 2006–07. Her missions included casualty evacuation, transporting supplies and supporting Marines operating in dangerous conditions. She became an experienced aircraft commander whose service reflected exceptional determination and compassion.

Her decorations included the Purple Heart, multiple Air Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. Her unit also participated in operations later recognized with Navy Unit Commendations. The precise classifications of her Air Medals and some retrospective campaign devices remain subjects of historical verification.

On 7 February 2007, during her third Iraq deployment, Harris's CH-46 was shot down while carrying blood intended to help wounded Marines. All seven personnel aboard were killed. She was twenty-eight and approaching the end of her deployment.

Harris was survived by her parents, Raymond and Rosalie, and her fiancé, fellow Marine aviator Christopher Aaby. Her hometown, Naval Academy classmates and military colleagues commemorated her through scholarships, memorial activities and sailing events. Her legacy endures through the lives she helped protect and the example of service she left behind.