Raised in Barnstead and educated in Pittsfield, Harrison R. Thyng was a fighter pilot and military leader who fought in every theater of war from World War II through Vietnam. He was the first U.S. Army Air Force pilot to encounter the Luftwaffe during World War II, commanded the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing in Korea, and flew surveillance flights over Vietnam. One of only seven pilots in the U.S. to become an ace in both propeller and jet aircraft, he was credited with 16 aerial victories and received 57 combat decorations over more than 300 missions, including three Silver Stars for gallantry in action and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Regarded as the father of the Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont Air National Guards, he retired to Pittsfield in 1966 and became the first President of Daniel Webster College.