At age 93, Harry Hauri has been a farmer, a paratrooper in the U.S. Army during WW II, and a Fairbanks Morse machinist. Now, he can add high school graduate to his life resume. Fairbanks Morse Defense congratulates our retired employee Harry Hauri on receiving an honorary diploma from Parkview High School in Orfordville, Wis.

Hauri began his career at Fairbanks Morse in 1952, making pistons for engines that drove nuclear submarines. He looks back fondly at his 37 years with the company and reflects on how he settled in Beloit. The son of Swiss immigrants, Hauri moved to Rock County when he was a teen and attended school through the eighth grade. School busses were scarce in those days, and money was even more scarce, making it difficult for Hauri to attend high school. Despite his eighth-grade teacher offering him a place to live so he could attend high school, he remained committed to working on the family farm. But he never forgot her kindness and dedicated his honorary diploma to her.

During WWII, Hauri was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany, and served as a paratrooper for two years before the end of the war in 1946. He recalls the sorrow of war, seeing people hungry, and losing friends. While he felt fortunate to return home, he wanted to honor those who did not. Hauri helped fund and develop "Where Tears Run Deep," a 40-foot pathway with bricks to remember the "local soldiers" who fell in all the wars. He also volunteers with the non-profits Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army because he saw many people starving while in Germany, and he doesn't want anyone ever to go hungry.

Following the war, Hauri moved back to his hometown and began working at Fairbanks Morse, where he remained for the duration of his career. In 1962 he purchased his parent's beloved farm, where he raised dairy cows and produced crops. When his day job on the farm wrapped up, he would head to Fairbanks Morse to take the late shift.

Hauri and his wife Delores have 14 children, and today their family has grown to 127 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most of them attended Parkview High School, have settled in the area, and worked at Fairbanks Morse Defense.

We are proud to honor Mr. Harry Hauri as he exemplifies commitment to country, family, and career. We appreciate his legacy with Fairview Morse Defense and his dedication to providing the U.S. Navy with elite engines.