Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Neil
Bosworth
Harding
February 3, 1905

–

April 22, 1978

Born:

, 

West Virginia

Home:

Beverly

, 

West Virginia

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Neil “Chick” Harding graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1927, and was a famed football coach for the Army. He took over Command of the 100th Bomb Group from July 2, 1943, from Colonel Huglin and remained C.O. until March 7, 1944, when he was sent Stateside for gall stones. He had been suffering for weeks but simply refused to report to the medics. He arrived home in April 1944 and spent six weeks in Walter Reed hospital. He retired in 1957 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Neil Bosworth “Chick” Harding (AFSN: 0-322A/ASN: 0-16930), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 136 (August 21, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Neil Bosworth Harding (AFSN: 0-322A/ASN: 0-16930), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations during a bombing mission over Trondheim, Norway, on 24 July 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Harding, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 147 (March 10, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Neil Bosworth Harding (AFSN: 0-322A/ASN: 0-16930), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Harding, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Neil Bosworth “Chick” Harding (AFSN: 0-322A/ASN: 0-16930), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.