World War II Honoree

Donald E. Hardy

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Andover, New York

Honored By

The American Legion

Enlisted in the Army Air Corps April 1942. After graduation, given the rank of Second Lieutenant and became pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress, later receiving the distinction of becoming the pilot of a B-29 Super-fortress. Sent to Saipan in the Pacific Theater where he and his crew raided many important Japanese cities. April 10, 1945, Promoted to First Lieutenant receiving a Medal for 'meritorious action' and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. After more than 25 missions May 26, 1945, word came by radio that his plane was in distress. A later message stating that they were about to 'ditch' was the last communication ever received from the plane and crew.