Came upon this obituary on the website of a funeral home that is back where I'm from originally. I find this fascinating, on so many levels.
Official Obituary ofDavid Eugene Hardy
November 1, 1928 ~ February 28, 1951 (age 22)
SGT David Eugene Hardy was born on Nov 1, 1928 and died on Feb 28, 1951 as a POW at Camp 5, Pyoktong, North Korea. Under Operation Glory his remains were exchanged in 1954. The Central Identification Unit at Kokura, Japan was unable to associate remains with Sargent Hardy and the remains were sent to Honolulu for burial as Unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1956. In 2019 his remains were disinterred and sent to Hickam AFB for analysis. SGT David E. Hardy was ultimately identified on 27 September 2024.David's father and mother were the late John and Mary Hardy. David's brothers were the late James (died June 14, 1944 Normandy France), Willard, George and baby Hubert. James, Willard and George all served during WWII. David's sisters were the late Cleria, Lessie, Mary Sue (Sudy), and Bobbye. David is survived by nieces, nephews and children of his cousins.
Military Services for David will be held on March 8, 2025 at Citty Funeral Home, 308 Lindsey Street, Reidsville North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am. The interment with full military honors will follow at Danview Cemetery in Eden, North Carolina.
Veterans who are able are welcome to attend the services. We honor all veterans, first responders, and active military. Thank you for your service.
The family would like to acknowledge the dedication of the United States Army Repatriation Division for their work to identify fallen soldiers and return them home to their families. It is work of the highest calling.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnels to Towers 2361 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10306 in David's memory are appreciated.
Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Hardy family.
Welcome home, David. It's been a long time, but now you can be at peace.
UPDATE: Television station WFMY in Greensboro, North Carolina has an in-depth story about David Hardy. He was indeed from Reidsville. The story goes into his army career, the circumstances of his being taken prisoner, and how he was identified by DNA.
I'm almost tempted to drive out to Reidsville for the service. We aren't related so far as I know, but this is the kind of thing that merits paying respect.
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