Harold "Buck" Benny Adams

Brigadier General Harold Benny "Buck" Adams, USAF (Ret.), passed away on June 23, 2026, at the age of 83. A legendary aviator, proud patriot, and devoted family man, Buck lived a life defined by high-altitude courage, historic aviation milestones, and distinguished service to his country.

Born on January 20, 1943, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Buck grew up in Brewster, Washington, graduating from Bridgeport High School in 1961. He went on to earn a fine arts degree from Washington State University in 1966, where he was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program.

Buck logged 137 combat missions over Southeast Asia flying B-52 bombers during the Vietnam War, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters. His exceptional skills quickly led him into elite reconnaissance. At just 28 years old, he became the youngest airman ever selected to fly the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft. He accumulated nearly 400 flight hours as an SR-71 aircraft commander with the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base.

On September 13, 1974, Buck carved his name into aviation history. Alongside Reconnaissance Systems Officer Major William C. Machorek, he piloted a record-breaking transcontinental sprint from London to Los Angeles. Crossing seven time zones in a spectacular race against the sun, they completed the 5,645-mile journey in just 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 39 seconds, averaging a blistering ground speed of over 1,400 mph. For this historic feat, Buck was honored with the prestigious De La Vaulx Medal and the International Aviation Federation's world speed record.

Over his decades of service, Buck’s leadership advanced through the ranks to Brigadier General, earning the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster. He commanded strategic reconnaissance squadrons, served as an Air Operations Staff Officer at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and ultimately retired in 1992 as the Director of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Planning Staff. To those who knew him on the ground, however, he was simply "Buck"—a man of immense humility, quick wit, and deep integrity.

Beyond his remarkable military career, Buck was a devoted family man who found great joy in the people and community around him. In Old Town Alexandria, he was a familiar and generous presence—always ready with a helping hand, a kind word, or practical support for a friend in need. He loved his community deeply and brought warmth, humor, and dependability to the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Buck is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Belle; his daughter, Betina, and his son-in-law; his cherished granddaughter; his sister; his two brothers; and his beloved Yorkie, Clementine, who brought him immense joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a brother and sister. A celebration of life will be held at the historic Lee Fendall House and Museum on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 11 am to 1 pm (614 Oronoco St, Alexandria, VA 22314).

Buck will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Details regarding the interment schedule will be announced separately on the Demaine Funeral Home website once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Buck's memory to support either veterans or research into cognitive care. Contributions can be directed to the Air Force Aid Society to support fellow airmen and veterans, or to the Alzheimer's Association to fund critical research and family support services.