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First Name
William
Middle Name
M.
Last Name
Hardman
Birthdate
Hometown
St. Albans, WV
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Bill Hardman enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet Program on July 24, 1957, and was assigned to NAS Pensacola, Florida, for Naval Flight Officer training, followed by Bombardier/Navigator training on the A3J-1 Vigilante with VAH-3 at NAS Sanford, Florida. His next assignment was as an A-5 Bombardier/Navigator with VAH-7, also at NAS Sanford, and then with VAH-5 at NAS Sanford and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forestal (CVA-59) from June 1961 to April 1963. Lieutenant Hardman next served with RVAH-3, flying aboard the RA-5C Vigilante, at NAS Sanford, followed by Replacement Air Group training in the A-6 Intruder with VA-42 at NAS Oceana, Virginia, from April to November 1966. Lieutenant Commander Hardman served as an A-6 Navigator/Bombardier with VA-196 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) until he was forced to eject while flying his 59th combat mission over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on August 21, 1967.
Post Release Description
Commander Hardman was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. He then served with the Naval ROTC detachment at the University of Florida. Commander Hardman's final assignment was as Director of Aviation Indoctrination with Naval Aviation Schools Command at NAS Pensacola from April 1975 until his retirement from the Navy on November 1, 1977. Bill Hardman volunteered at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola until his death on May 27, 2008. He was buried at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
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Silver Star (3)
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Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
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Bronze Star (2)
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Legion of Merit
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Air Medal with Gold Star “5”
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Purple Heart
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Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release