- SURNAME
Hardy
- FORENAME
Herbert Francis
- UNIT
5 SF Group (Det A-334)
- RANK
Captain
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star
- PLACE
South Vietnam 1964
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/hardy-herbert-francis-jr.8507/CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Field Artillery) Herbert Francis Hardy, Jr. (ASN: 0-71092), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-334, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Hardy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 February 1964. As Commander of Special Forces Detachment A-334, Captain Hardy was directing the operations of a Vietnamese strike force platoon when the friendly unit became engaged in violent combat with Viet Cong forces. During the ensuing battle, in which the strike force personnel withdrew, Captain Hardy exposed himself to the rounds of mortar fire in an attempt to rally the platoon and organize a counter-attack. When this effort was unsuccessful, he then bravely led a remaining American advisor and a Vietnamese sergeant down a slope and launched a direct attack on the enemy. Despite the heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire directed at the small force, the swiftness of their actions dislodged the enemy from their well-entrenched positions and caused them to flee toward their mortar positions. Then, when the American advisor sustained a severe leg injury, Captain Hardy quickly provided covering fire, rushed to his aid, and succeeded in pulling him to a safe position. After administering first aid to his fellow soldier, he initiated the withdrawal of the small party toward their base camp. Throughout this extremely dangerous operation which required their going through Viet Cong infested territory and exposure to traps and ambushes, he periodically reconnoitered the route ahead of the party and, after a grueling ordeal lasting four and one-half hours, succeeded in bringing his small force to the safety of the patrol base. His dynamic leadership, coolness under fire, and deep concern for the safety of his men averted further casualties and served as an inspiration to all who served with him during this hazardous operation. Captain Hardy's valiant efforts and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4526
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