Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for exceptional service as Director for Operations, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from June 1984 to January 1986. In this important and demanding position, he directly contributed to the development and execution of essential national policy decisions and actions. Combining skilled leadership and sound judgment with extensive operational expertise, he directed the development of timely advice and courses of action for consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the National Command Authorities in dealing with numerous international crises such as the Red Sea mind clearing operation, TWA Flight 847 hijacking, intercept of the Achille Lauro hijackers and the recent Egyptian airline hijacking. Similarly, his innovative efforts at improving and streamlining worldwide strategic command and control will have a lasting impact on the security of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Vice Admiral Hardisty reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 28 August 1961. As Pilot of a Navy all-weather fighter aircraft, the F4H-1 PHANTOM II, Lieutenant Hardisty succeeded in establishing a new three-kilometer, world jet aircraft speed record for Class “C” aircraft. In preparation for the execution of this flight, he exercised brilliant airmanship, initiative, foresight and planning ability. Through this exceptional feat, he clearly demonstrated the inherent capabilities and the maximum performance of a most important aircraft of the United States Navy, and focused world attention on the continued significant development of the science of aviation in the United States, and the superiority of her aircraft and pilots. Lieutenant Hardisty’s outstanding professional skill, fortitude, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
July 1982 – August 1983
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet from July 1982 to August 1983. Rear Admiral Hardisty’s in-depth knowledge of all facets of naval warfare, superb management ability, and dynamic leadership were instrumental in attaining the outstanding level of readiness and war fighting capability in the Pacific Fleet today. He aggressively pursued actions which resulted in a better balance and flexibility of operations throughout the Pacific Fleet area of responsibility. Rear Admiral Hardisty’s innovative thinking and direction were key to improving Pacific Fleet’s operational organization, warfare expertise, and training opportunities. Specifically, he initiated or supervised the upgrading of fleet surveillance systems; operational deployment of TOMAHAWK; enhanced electronic warfare capabilities; improved Battle Force Commander training and exercise schedule; and developed the optimum balance of flexible scheduling and CINCPACFLT exercises which realistically support national maritime strategy. Rear Admiral Hardisty’s untiring efforts and noteworthy accomplishments earned him a solid, impressive reputation of responsiveness and superb competence. Rear Admiral Hardisty’s unerring professionalism, perseverance, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commander Carrier Group SEVEN from May 1980 to June 1981. An extremely capable and resourceful leader, Rear Admiral Hardisty improved operational readiness, tactical procedures, and logistical coordination during this period while commanding carrier battle groups in every operational environment in the Pacific Fleet. The unprecedented level of readiness maintained by his Battle Group during an extended deployment was a direct result of Rear Admiral Hardisty’s exceptional professional abilities and skillful coordination of all available assets. By his distinctive performance, innovating tactical planning, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Hardisty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
November 1977 – December 1979
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from November 1977 to December 1979 as Commander U.S. Facility, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines and additional duties as Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Philippines and Commander in Chief Pacific Representative, Philippines. As the principal commander in the Western Pacific responsible for support of the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, Rear Admiral Hardisty provided consistent responsive support. Demonstrating keen insight, initiative, and firm, resourceful leadership, he adeptly coordinated the myriad activities of commands at U.S. Forces Facilities, Subic Bay which resulted in a significant contribution to the high level of readiness of the SEVENTH Fleet. Held in high regard by Philippine military leaders, Rear Admiral Hardisty was able to perform in a most effective manner as a member of the U.S./Philippine Mutual Defense Board. His superb management of the many complex and interacting problems involving military operations, logistics, and diplomacy at local, national, and international levels contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the Navy’s mission in the Western Pacific in furtherance of U.S. national security interests. Rear Admiral Hardisty’s distinctive performance, sterling professionalism, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Carrier Air Wing 11Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
February – May 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving as Commander of Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN from 23 July 1971 to 8 May 1972 while embarked from February to May 1972 in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during combat operations against the enemy. Commander Hardisty’s superb leadership, extensive operational and staff experience and managerial expertise were essential factors in Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN’s exceptional performance through its retraining cycle and in combat against the enemy in Southeast Asia. His knowledge, personal guidance, leadership under intense enemy opposition, aggressive tactics, professionalism and exemplary devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Hardisty is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Attack Carrier Air Wing 11Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
April 16, 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft while Commanding Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN, embarked in the U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). On 16 April 1972, Commander Hardisty led a thirty-six plane coordinated air wing attack against the strategic naval base and port warehouse area, Haiphong, North Vietnam. He courageously led his forces through the most formidable array of defenses in the history of aerial warfare to deliver a devastating attack which significantly reduced the flow of war supplies to the south. Post-strike photography revealed heavy damage to all target areas which included eight large warehouse buildings destroyed and numerous secondary explosions and fires burning. Commander Hardisty’s meticulous planning, daring attack, courageous leadership and unswerving devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from March 1987 to August 1988. Functioning in close cooperation and in direct support of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Hardisty’s leadership and management were invaluable to the U.S. Navy during this very demanding and important period. His profound grasp of global issues and strong performance as an alternate member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were of great importance to the country. His complete understanding of U.S. Naval requirements and structure was directly responsible for improvements made in both our forces and our organization. Admiral Hardisty’s concern for operating forces’ requirements increased the U.S. Navy’s combat readiness and significantly improved the overall quality of life for Naval personnel and their dependents. His keen sense of diplomacy and comprehensive grasp of Naval matters earned the admiration and respect of all with whom he was associated. Admiral Hardisty’s distinguished achievements, inspirational leadership, and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Admiral Huntington Hardisty (NSN: (0-554959/1310), United States Navy, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.