November 28, 2021
Dear Friend,
One of the most courageous men in uniform, who I am privileged to call a friend, is Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris. Recently, members of the community gathered in Tupelo to celebrate the naming of the Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris Post Office.
His devoted wife, Louise, was by his side, as were their children, Robin, Carolyn, and Lyle, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. This post office is of great significance to Col. Harris's family because each letter he wrote as a prisoner of war came through the facility. Now, and for generations to come, all who pass through the doors will be reminded of a great Hero who served our Nation with honor, dignity, and bravery.
On April 4, 1965, Col. Harris's F-105 was shot down over North Vietnam. After his capture, he endured eight years of torture and starvation, while never giving in to his captors. Instead, Col. Harris made the most of his training by using a communication system called the Tap Code to convey messages to other prisoners and eventually to family members. After the war, Col. Harris continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1979. Over the years, he has devoted himself to public service in a wide variety of ways, while always working to help improve the quality of life for fellow Veterans. We are thankful to have this special family living and thriving in Mississippi's First Congressional District.
