Major General Benjamin L. Harrison, Retired, enlisted in the Army in 1946 at the age of 17, and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry through ROTC in 1951. Brother Harrison was initiated into Phi Delta Theta Fraternity on February 26, 1950 at the Mississippi Alpha Chapter at Ole Miss. He graduated from flight school in 1958 at the top of his class, and was also first in his class at instrument school.

In Vietnam, Brother Harrison commanded the 10th Aviation Battalion during 1966-67. The battalion’s combat operations reflected his training emphasis in night operations and instrument flying. Following tours in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, he returned to Vietnam in 1970 as the commander of the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

In 1978, he conducted comprehensive Review of Officer Education and Training (ROET) for the Army Chief of Staff which highlighted significant aviation personnel management problems. This early spadework provided a major part of the justification for the decision to form an Army Aviation Branch. Major General Ben Harrison was a key player in many of the pivotal decisions which shaped Army Aviation in more than 30 years. It was his influential voice, in retirement, which made the difference in the Army’s decision to create an Aviation Branch.

Brother Harrison was the senior advisor to two preeminent divisions of the Vietnam Army in planning and conducting operations in Laos. His combat decorations include two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Soldiers Medal. He has flown over 7,000 hours, with 1,842 in combat. After the Vietnam War, Brother Harrison directed the TRICAP testing at Fort Hood which resulted in the formation of the 6th Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat). He then served successively as Deputy Commandant of the Command and General Staff College, and Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation Center. An extremely effective soldier and educator, his mark on Army Aviation is indelible.

Finally, General Benjamin Harrison had the honor to serve as the Commander of Fort Harrison in Indiana named for Brother Benjamin Harrison of Miami University, who served as the 23rd President of the United States.

It is with great pleasure and appreciation that Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity honors Major General Benjamin L. Harrison with the J.K. Davis Award.