Morton E. Harris
April 11, 1920 – May 5, 2021
Morton E Harris was born in the shade of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, on April 11, 1920, and died over a century later on May 5, 2021, at home.
Mort took classes in engineering at Wayne State University starting in 1939, but then answered his country's call and enlisted in the United States Army Air Force, where he became an officer and a highly decorated pilot. During his time fighting in World War II, Mort earned the nickname ‘Berlin Kid’ in recognition of his 33 successful missions flying a B-17 Flying Fortress behind enemy lines with at least eight involving the strategic bombing of the German capital of Berlin, playing a major role in the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of France and earning him membership in the ‘Lucky Bastards Club.’
During the war, Mort achieved the rank of major, and was a much-decorated member of the 95th Bomb Group, 334th Bomb Squadron of the U.S. Eighth Air Force. From supporting the invading ground troops at Normandy on D-Day to volunteering to lead the Eighth Air Force to Warsaw, Poland, to drop ammunition, food and medical supplies to Polish freedom fighters, Mort Harris was the living embodiment the “Greatest Generation.” Mort received three U.S. Distinguished Flying Crosses, six Air Medals, a presidential citation, the Polish Medal of Honor, and the French Legion of Honor, all recognizing rare heroism in combat. Mort is also recipient of the Churchill Fellows Award, which recognizes those who have distinguished themselves by their vision, value and service. The Detroit News recently awarded Mort the prestigious Michiganian Award.
After the war, Mort embarked on a highly successful business career in Detroit, becoming one of the state's best known and successful entrepreneurs. He founded and owned, or co-owned, many companies, including the Mercier Corporation, Erie Coke and Chemical Company, Euroad—an over-the-road trucking company that provided logistics in Poland, and the auto supply giant, American Axle and Manufacturing, Incorporated (AAM). Mort also served for many years as a board director of Michigan National Bank. He was a renowned investor and entrepreneur who focused on real estate ventures including hotels, apartments, shopping centers and mobile home communities.
Mort has been recognized for his support of numerous community organizations including Henry Ford Healthcare Systems, of which he is an honorary trustee; the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Focus: HOPE, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, the Detroit Riverfront Federation, The Henry, Oakland Family Services, Cranbrook Educational Community, and Detroit Public Television. Mort Harris and his wife Brigitte Harris (deceased 2016) have generously supported scholarships for the Wayne State Medical School as well as the university's community outreach program in adult literacy. In honor of his first wife, Edith (deceased), he established the Edith Harris Memorial Lecture Series in the School of Social Work, the College of Engineering, the Law School and other university initiatives at Wayne State.
Mort is survived by three sons from his first marriage to his beloved Edith and by the three children his second wife Brigitte brought to their marriage after she was tragically widowed, and by his late-life companion Sandy Morrison, who cared deeply for him. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Morton E. Harris will be remembered by all who knew him as a good, courageous, decent, generous, and humble man and as a hero in every facet of his life. He was the living embodiment of the Greatest Generation. Without those heroes including Mort, much of Europe would not exist as it does today. Here at home, Mort's entrepreneurship, business and community building leadership inspired countless people to follow in his footsteps. We are all thankful for having known him and the exceptional life he has lived, and he will be greatly missed by his family, extraordinary friends, and community.
There will be a celebration of Mort's life TBD this summer. In lieu of flowers please consider making a charitable contribution to one of his favorite charities.
Source: The Detroit News & Detroit Free Press
May 7 to May 9, 2021.