Michael Owen Hardesty

The database page for 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.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his niece, Michelle Lynn Baker Vest design@mbgm.com  19 Jul 2004

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 07/19/2004