MS HR75

Commends retired United States Air Force Colonel Carlyle Smith "Smitty" Harris for his service and heroism as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

Recognizes Colonel Harris as the sixth American POW captured in the air war over North Vietnam after being shot down on April 4, 1965, and enduring eight years of captivity at the Hoa Lo prison ("Hanoi Hilton").

Honors Colonel Harris for developing and teaching the "Tap Code," a nonverbal communication technique using tapping on water pipes and walls that allowed imprisoned POWs to maintain communication, morale, and unity despite isolation.

Acknowledges Colonel Harris's military decorations including two Silver Stars, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Heart Medals, and Eagle Awards.

Notes Colonel Harris's autobiography, "Tap Code: The Epic Survival of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code that Changed Everything," and his current residence in Tupelo, Mississippi.