SP4 MICHAEL OWEN HARDESTY

 

19 Jul 2004 Michael Hardesty was my uncle for whom I am named. His sister, Martha, is my mother. Michael and she were only 11 months apart, and were very close as children. Michael was killed on September 6, 1968 not even a month before his 22 birthday. I was a little over a year old. I wish I knew him. He was survived by his parents, his sister, Martha, his three older brothers, Tommy, Bo and Jerry, 3 nieces, a nephew and his fiancee. Many years ago, I found the letters Michael had sent home while in Viet Nam. They are really sad and painful to read. I wish with all my heart that he had come home; our family was never the same after his death. This, I am sure, is a common story. Michael called me "little Mike" in all his letters. I was born 9 months before he left for Viet Nam, and I swear I can remember him playing peek-a-boo behind his hands with me. For what it's worth, Michael, I hope you know how much you are missed - 37 years later. Every year your family, one by one, stops by your grave. I live 2000 miles away from there, but every day I visit you in my heart - I carry your name and your memory with pride.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Although formally assigned to Headquarters Company, 198th Infantry Brigade, PFC Hardesty was serving with the Aeroscout Company, 123rd Aviation Battalion, when he was wounded.

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