George Davis Hardesty

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 11, 2004:

George Davis Hardesty, Jr. Born November 11, 1927 - Died December 15, 1970 George Davis Hardesty, Jr. was born in South Carolina on 11 November 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the 7th Congressional District of North Carolina. His West Point classmates recall: "From the shores of Tokyo Bay ex-Lt. George Hardesty came to join the Class of '51. One of the more outstanding all-around cadets, George's participation in any given task insures its successful completion. In addition to his Carolinian pride he has exhibited more than casual interest in dragging and politics. The Army can expect big things of this man in the branch of his choice." During his cadet days George was on Ring Committee and with the French Club all four years, serving as Chairman of the former his first class year; went out for the Swimming Team plebe year and earned Numerals; was with the Chess and Model Railroad Clubs yearling year; was a Chapel Usher and was with the Howitzer staff cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Captain his first class year serving as Battalion Commander his first class year. Upon graduation George went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment where he served from 1951 to 1952; he then went with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Japan from 1953 to 1955 and was awarded the Commendation Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1960 George was assigned to the MC Jr. School and served until 1961 and in 1963, while on assignment to the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, first as a student and later on the Staff & Faculty, earned a Master of Arts degree in History and Government from the University of Kansas City as well as the Masters of Military Art and Sciences degree from CGSC. In 1964 George was assigned to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and served until 1965 and was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; two Bronze Star Medals (valor) for distinguished heroism against an enemy; three Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and four Commendation Medals (valor) for distinguished service. In 1966 George was assigned to Headquarters, Strike Command and served until 1967 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. In 1968 George attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Penns-ylvania and was then assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1969 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; the Soldier's Medal: Distinguished heroism not involving conflict with an enemy; 14 additional Air Medals (valor) for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and four additional Commendation Medals (valor) for distinguished service. On return to stateside George was assigned to the Staff & Faculty at the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. George died in Berlin, Germany on 15 December 1970; he was a Colonel on active duty at the time. George's widow Mrs. Naomi Hardesty makes her home in North Remington Beach, Florida is now the proud grandmother of 4 and has been Chairman, American Cancer Society in Remington Beach for 5 years." George was an Infantryman. For the Infantryman's Creed click: Creed jac; 18118

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