HERBERT VINAL HARDY, son of Herbert Everett and Bessie Packard Hardy, born in Hope, Maine, February 2, 1923. Following Graduation from Camden High School he entered the University of Maine in the class of 1944.

March 25, 1943 he withdrew from the university and enlisted with the 10th Mountain Division where he trained with the 86th Infantry Reg. Ski Troops at Camp Hale, Colorado.

January, 1944 he transferred to the Army Air Forces and trained in special program at Toledo University. At interruption of the program. He was transferred to Camp Livingston, Louisiana, April, 1944.

April 8, 1944 he and Frieda Johnson were married and he returned to the 10th Mountain Div. at Camp Swift Texas August, 1944 where he rejoined the 3rd Battalion of the 86th Mountain Infantry. The 10th Mountain Div. was ordered overseas in December, 1944.

February 24, 1945 he was killed in action during the Riva Ridge Campaign in Northern Italy and posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal "for heroic achievement in action on February 24, 1945, near Mt. Della, Torraccia, Italy, when concentrated enemy fire threatened to annihilate an advanced sector of the lead company in an attack upon a heavily fortified position. His selfless, conscientious devotion to duty and heroic courage were essential in his company's attack and gave to all his associates greater determination and purpose to achieve their objective."