Colonel Chase joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 and served during World War II in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. After a break in service, he joined the Air Force and served in Vietnam, Germany, England, Colorado, Alaska and Washington.

Shortly after his retirement in 1970, he went to work for the Defense Department, serving as an intelligence officer with the Army, Navy and Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired a second time in 1985.

Among his military awards were a Bronze Star, a Defense Joint Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

He was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut and received bachelor's degrees from Boston University and Syracuse University. He also graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair.

His marriage to Janet Dewell Chase ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Caroline S. Chase of Alexandria; two children from his first marriage, Caroline Watson of Bennington, Vermont, and Harold B. Chase III of Davis, West Virginia; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.