William HENRY Hardy

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Henry Hardy (0-4024213), Major, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy, while serving as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam, during August 1967. Major Hardy distinguished himself by escaping from a prisoner of war camp. Recognizing that the odds for success were slight and if he were re-captured he would receive severe torture and periods of solitary confinement, and possible death, he continued with his escape plan. The plan had to be carefully planned, memorized and executed at the approximate time in August 1967. Major Hardy successfully carried out his plan. The success of his escape was short-lived and he was recaptured. Although he was re-captured, he continued strong resistance and adherence to the Code of Conduct. The extreme gallantry exhibited by Major Hardy was aptly illustrated by the fact that so few prisoners had ever tried to escape, primarily due to the rigid security measures employed by the enemy. His courageous and gallant escape were more than an attempt to get him out of the prison camp. More guards were required to try to stop Americans from escaping, enemy troops were diverted from battle duties to search for the escapees, and prisoner morale soared. By his heroic deed, Major Hardy demonstrated great devotion to duty and country, disregarding concern for his own safety, which demonstrated the highest traditions of the military service.