Auburn Aviation reveals display honoring late Aviation Management director at Delta Airlines Aviation Education Building

The life and legacy of late Aviation Management Director and Engineering Associate Professor Emeritus Lt. Col. Harold R. Decker will live on thanks to a new display dedicated in his honor at the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building. Family, friends and alumni gathered on Feb. 4 to unveil the display, which features personal and historical memorabilia honoring the esteemed former faculty member.

The dedication of the display of items from Decker’s military and academic careers culminates a two year-long effort by alumni and current members of Gamma Chapter, Alpha Eta Rho, International Aviation Fraternity, to honor the man whose lessons, mentorship and example they credit for their own successful careers in the aviation industry and the foundation of today’s School of Aviation program. Through the assistance of the Decker family and the Auburn University School of Aviation leadership and staff, the display—located on the second floor of the Delta Airlines Aviation Education Building—became a reality and now pays tribute to one of the most admired and influential members of the Auburn Family.

Decker taught in the aviation management department from 1965 until his retirement in 1978. Prior to that, he served 24 years in the United States Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force.

A P-38 fighter pilot during World War II, Decker was shot down over Tunisia, North Africa, was captured and spent two years as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 3 in Germany. During his captivity, he operated a smuggled-in radio, receiving coded broadcasts from home to the leadership of the camp’s prisoner population.

Following the war, he was recognized for his bravery with the award of the Bronze Star Medal for heroism. He continued his service to his country rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1965.

Joining the Auburn University faculty in the Department of Engineering, he was soon appointed as head of the Aviation Management program. He held that position for seven years, returning to full-time teaching for an additional six years. He retired from Auburn in 1978, having completed 13 years of exemplary service.  

Decker was a man with profound influence on his students and Auburn’s aviation program. He was instrumental in the development of the Aviation Management curriculum and laid the foundation for what is now the premier program of its type in the country.

During his 13 years at Auburn, he served as not only as Aviation Management program head, but also as faculty advisor for the Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Eta Rho professional aviation fraternity and advisor to the War Eagle Flying Team. He was also a tireless volunteer in the local community.

Upon retiring in 1978, Decker remained in Auburn and continued his life of service through his leadership in his church, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and numerous other community organizations. He passed away in August 2009 at the age of 92.