CAPT Dr. Harry August Herman Jr. USN (Ret), age 87, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021, in his home in Pensacola, Florida. Harry was born March 6, 1934, in Columbia, Missouri to Dr. Harry August Herman Sr. and Mrs. Lucille E. Herman. Patrol Squadron Two was his first duty assignment and major command, and he was stationed in Whidbey Island, WA. He flew the Lockheed P2V Neptune. During those years, he was shot down once, captured, and escaped enemy lines. Another duty stationed he was called up for was the Cuban Missile Crises while in dental school. He lived in Greeley, Colorado for some years with a dental practice, a small farm, and a crop-dusting business. He lived in California for some time as well, where he owned a pawn shop, studied gemology, and owned another crop dusting service. During his expatriate years, he was a military contractor working as an orthodontist for Al Hada MODA Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia in the early 1980's; subsequently, he went to work with the H-10 IASA U.S. Government Medical Clinic for five years. He then worked for an FHP - run clinic in Dededao, Guam for several years; where there he started their first orthodontic practice. He then returned to work for the Security Forces Hospital in Riyadh for two years. Harry, Esmeralda (Merly), and Jamie (Jayde) then moved to Pensacola, and he retired from his dental career in orthodontics in 1998.
Harry graduated from the University of Missouri with his degrees in chemistry and physics in 1955. He was commissioned on the 29th of August 1955 and started his navy career on the 9th of September 1955. He completed his naval aviator training during this time and received his Naval Aviator wings as a Lieutenant JG on the 5th of February 1957 at NAS Pensacola. Harry transitioned into the Naval Reserves after being on active duty as a flight aviator. During those years, he pursued and completed his degree in dentistry with a specialty in orthodontics at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He received a Doctor of Dental Surgery on the 10th of June 1963 and received a Master of Science in Orthodontics on the 7th of June 1965. He then was a received his Missouri Dental Board Certificate on the 10th of June 1963. Harry became an honorary member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Society by the Gamma Chapter on the 4th of June 1963. Harry then received his American Board of Orthodontics on the 9th of March 1973. Shortly after, he received the Certificate of International Membership from the American Association of Orthodontics. He was licensed to practice dentistry in the state of Missouri, Colorado, and Guam. In total, Harry honorably served a total of 26 years, eight months, and two days in the military, retiring on the 1st of May 1982. After his service, he was hired on as an Orthodontist under a military contract for Al Hada MODA military hospitals in Taif, Saudi Arabia (early 1980's); and in H-10 IASA US Government Medical Clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1987-1993); FHP Dental Clinic, Dededao, Guam; Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Interestingly enough, he received a Basic Acupuncture Workshop Certificate of Completion on the 7th of November 1982. Because of his passion for flying and sharing his aviation knowledge, he became the Chief Flight Instructor for Ferguson Aviation from 2004 to 2010 in Pensacola. He was an active member of the Pensacola Military Officer Association since 1998 and served as President for several terms. He often volunteered at the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum and enjoyed doing so.
Harry was a devoted family man and loved his family dearly. He was a trusted colleague and a loyal friend. He had a heart of gold. Harry was honest, thoughtful, and friendly. There was a reassuring presence about him. He was an unassuming and kindly man. He had wit and a dry sense of humor; if you didn’t pay attention you’d miss his joke. His EAA Flight Advisor profile described him quite well: ““He’s a retired Naval Aviator. I think he has every rating there is to have. He's also a Doctor and retired as a Captain, but you better not call him "Doctor" or "Sir"! It's "Harry"!”” He valued his family, friends, and those he worked and collaborated with over the years. Harry was a class act, a gentleman, and a true patriot. He was a sharp man, well versed and a leader in his field. No matter the task, he did with great gusto; he was willing and prepared to help out where he could and where it was needed. Harry was a man with many talents, skills, knowledge, and wisdom. His passion for flying carried on after he retired from the military. He was a Flight Advisor for the EAA Pensacola Chapter 485 and was active in promoting the future of aviation through the Young Eagles program and sponsorship of EAA’s Aviation Youth Academy. He became a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and he loved to fly his Cessna 172 with his family when he was able. Harry was an avid traveler and loved to experience different cultures. In contrast to being quite reserved, he loved to connect with people that he had links with; whether it was in aviation, military, or medical care. Harry was a fierce friend to the people he knew. Those who knew him expressed that he was very much loved, admired, and respected in the communities and organizations he served. He will be dearly missed. His legacy will live on with those whom he taught, flew with, and mentored.
He is survived by his wife, Esmeralda Go Herman, two daughters; Lisa Carol Cunningham and Jamie-Anne Herman Cotton, four grandchildren; Eric Trevino, Luc LaPorte, Alec LaPorte, and Max Brody Cotton, two nephews and a niece; Donald Louis Herman Jr., David Lawrence Herman, and Melanie Anne Lawrence.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Harry August Herman Sr. and Mrs. Lucille E. Herman; his brother Dr. Donald Louis Herman, and his son, Mark Eric Herman.
A Memorial Service and Rosary for Harry will be held Monday, April 5, 2021, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N New Warrington Rd, Pensacola, Florida 32506, followed by a Reception from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. He will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery on Thursday, April 8, 2021, the funeral procession will depart Oak Lawn Funeral Home at 9:00 am.
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