Harry Coumnas Graduated West Point at the Top of His Class

The life of Harry Coumnas and his family is inescapably tied to war, combat, and the military. The oldest of four children, Harry was another link in a long line of military men. Nearly every man in his family has served in the military in some capacity and from a young age, Harry showed an early inclination to continue this tradition.

Harry Coumnas grew up primarily in the suburbs of Washington DC. His father was an accomplished colonel in World War II who ran a strict but caring household. From an early age he and his siblings attended private schools where uniforms were required and discipline was strict. And Harry seemed to thrive in these conditions, demonstrating an early aptitude for academics and physical fitness. While his father didn’t treat his children as soldiers, he held them to a higher standard and young Harry met and often exceeded that standard.

Harry Coumnas graduated West Point at the top of his class and gained the rank of corporal. This earned him a job as an officer at the Pentagon. Early on, he hoped to play a role in the ongoing wars in Southeast Asia but by then the wars were coming to a close and his novel ideas did not resonate with the established order of the time. This made Harry fall into obscurity within the Pentagon and remain in a state of career limbo for years.

Harry’s success and tactics helped earn him greater influence with both fellow officers and amongst politicians. In the years following the wars, he continued to expand his influence by carrying out more successful operations using covert military forces. He also advised numerous foreign governments. However, it was also during this time that he began studying the next great conflict.