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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major William Henry Hardy (ASN: 0-4024213), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam during the period 29 June 1967 to 12 February 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    June 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major William Henry Hardy (ASN: 0-4024213), United States Army, for meritorious achievement against an armed enemy while serving as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam during June of 1970. Major Hardy acted in a manner above the call of duty, which resulted in saving the life of a fellow prisoner of war during a forced march when all prisoners of war involved were suffering from the effects of malaria and malnutrition. Mr. Richard Utecht was in the poorest condition and would not have survived the march had it not been for Major Hardy’s actions. Mr. Utecht was being pulled by a rope that was around his neck when he collapsed. Major Hardy, who was carrying Mr. Utecht’s pack in addition to his own, immediately rushed to Mr. Utecht’s aid and applied heart massage. During these actions, the Viet Cong guards threatened Major Hardy and ordered him to cease his assistance to Mr. Utecht in the probable hope that he would die and no longer hinder the travel. Major Hardy ignored the threats of the Viet Cong guards in obvious risk of his own life and continued his aid to Mr. Utecht. As a result of this action, Mr. Utecht’s life was saved. Major Hardy disregarded concern for his own life in his concern and actions, which saved the life of a fellow prisoner of war. His actions are exemplary and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States of America.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    June 29, 1967 – February 12, 1973

    Major William Henry Hardy (ASN: 0-4024213), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from June 29, 1967 until his release on February 12, 1973.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    August 1967
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William Henry Hardy (ASN: 0-4024213), United States 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.