The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Willard Joseph Hardy (ASN: 0-887996), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Captain Hardy distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sat’ae-ri Korea, on the night of 3 November 1952. On that night, a hostile force of estimated battalion strength attacked the defensive positions occupied by Captain Hardy’s company. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Hardy moved from platoon to platoon through intense fire to direct the efforts of his men. When enemy troops penetrated the friendly defense and gained possession of high ground dominating the area, he began a one-man charge up the slope, firing his carbine and throwing grenades, supported only by small-arms fire from his radio operator. With aggressive determination, Captain Hardy continued to advance against concentrated fire until he was hurled down the hill by an exploding grenade. Wounded and dazed, and having lost his helmet and carbine, he moved to the remnants of two friendly platoons, obtained another weapon and helmet, organized an assault force, and led it forward in a counterattack. Inspired by his courageous example, the small party of friendly infantrymen succeeded early the following morning in driving the foe from the hill and reestablished the defense line. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Captain Hardy throughout this action reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.