Lieutant Colonel Harlan P. Chapman, USMC (Ret), Golden Eagle Emeritus

Gentlemen,
 
It is my sad duty to inform you that on Monday, 6 May 2024, Golden Eagle Emeritus LtCol Harlan P. Chapman made his Last Take Off at his home in Green Valley, Arizona, attended by his family.
 
Harlan was born in Carlisle Township, Ohio, on 27 September 1934 to Josephine and Harlan T. Chapman. He grew up there and attended Elyria High School, played football, and graduated in 1952. Remaining in Ohio, he then attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was enrolled in the Navy ROTC program. Harlan graduated and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the Marine Corps on 11 June 1956, and then reported to the Basic School at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, VA, completing TBS in April 1957. His next duty assignment started in Pensacola for pilot training, with Harlan earning his Wings of Gold on 30 September 1958.
 
Harlan’s first operational assignment was with Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron One (VMCJ-1), stationed at MCAS El Toro, CA. VMCJ-1 was a newly formed squadron, and while there Harlan flew the F3D-2Q, an electronic warfare version of the Douglas F3D Skyknight and the F8U-1P, an unarmed reconnaissance variant of the Vought F-8 Crusader. The squadron departed the United States in November 1959 as part of the Unit Deployment Program to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Harlan’s next duty assignment was back to MCAS El Toro in December 1960 to H&MS-33 for two years, where he flew the F9F-8T Cougar and the T2V SeaStar. From December 1962 to December 1963, he was assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) with the Fleet Marine Force at Camp Smith, HI and while there earned Army Jump wings.
 
In January 1964, LtCol Chapman was assigned to VMF-212, flying the F-8E Crusader, stationed at MCAS Kaneohe, HI. In April 1965, the squadron, known as the “Lancers", sailed aboard the USS Oriskany becoming the first Marine jet squadron to be deployed aboard an aircraft carrier in combat. As part of Carrier Air Group 16 (CVW-16) they arrived off the coast of Vietnam and began operating from Yankee Station. From 10 May–6 December 1965 the Lancers flew missions against targets in North and South Vietnam. Of note, during a mission on 9 September 1965 they became the first squadron to deliver 2,000-lb. MK-84 bombs from an F-8 Crusader that had launched from an aircraft carrier. Also, on that day the Commander, Air Group (CAG) of CVW-16 Commander James Stockdale's A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam. On 5 November 1965, while also using MK-84 bombs to attack a target in North Vietnam, Harlan’s F-8 took a direct hit by a 57 mm shell, he was forced to eject and was immediately captured. His Distinguished Flying Cross reads, in part:
“After a perilous, long, high-speed low-level approach through heavy enemy defenses to that important and well-defended target deep within enemy territory, Lieutenant Colonel Chapman was called upon to face the enemy anti-aircraft fire while it was most intense. As pilot of the last aircraft of a major strike group of 32 strike aircraft on target, he bravely and skillfully maneuvered his aircraft, in spite of the intense and lethal anti-aircraft fire, dived on the target, and delivered his bombs on the bridge. His aircraft was observed pulling off target and exploding in the air as the result of direct hits from the lethal enemy fire.”
 
Harlan spent the next 2,657 days (7 1/2 years) as a Prisoner of War (POW), enduring the harshest treatment meted out over that timeframe. Of note, during the period of July 1966 through October 1967 of his captivity, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, he was awarded the Silver Star. His time as a POW ended with Operation Homecoming on 12 February 1973.
 
On return to the United States, following medical treatment, debriefing and rest and relaxation, in October 1973 Harlan began refresher flight training at VMAT-102 at MCAS Yuma, AZ, in the TA-4F Skyhawk and the F-4B Phantom II. In June 1974 he took command of VMFA-314, flying the F-4N Phantom II at MCAS El Toro, CA. After a highly successful command tour, LtCol Chapman served one year at the Station Headquarters in El Toro, flying the T-28 Trojan and the T-39 Sabreliner before retiring on 31 July 1976.
 
Harlan served on active duty for 20 years, flew over 3,300 hours despite having eight of those 20 years taken away from the opportunity to fly, and had 200 carrier arrested landings. Clearly, he was born to fly, with every tour except his one-year ANGLICO tour being in the cockpit. His awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with combat “V,” a Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with combat “V,” 10 Air Medals, and a Purple Heart with Gold star. Culminating his career with squadron command, he clearly led from the cockpit, and was undoubtedly an inspiration to all. His courage, bravery in the face of torture, mental toughness to withstand extended periods of solitary confinement, and indomitable spirit under the most adverse of conditions are truly exemplary and mark him as a true leader.
 
Retirement from the Marine Corps took him back to his home state of Ohio where he established and ran a real estate appraisal firm with his wife, Fran, in the town of Vermillion for over 25 years. Ohio was truly his home, with his great-great-great grandfather establishing a homestead soon after the Revolutionary War. He and Fran enjoyed biking, sailing and all things outdoors. In 2016 they moved to Green Valley, AZ, to enjoy the climate there.
 
Harlan is survived by his wife Fran, his son Harlan H. Chapman, his stepdaughter Dawn Hessel-Record, and stepson Darold Hessel. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, and that information will be provided when it becomes available.
 
He will be missed.
 
In sadness,
Marty Chanik
Pilot