Private Hardin was a member of Company C, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. He was killed in action while clearing a mine field near Kaesong, South Korea.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Vernon C. Hardin (ASN: RA-14297781), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 October 1950, near Kaesong, Korea.
When it became necessary for an area in front of advancing friendly infantry troops to be cleared of concealed anti-personnel mines, Private Hardin immediately volunteered for the dangerous assignment. Although intense artillery and mortar shells were rocking and showering the mine field with jagged shrapnel, he moved out with his men detection equipment and courageously started to sweep the area. Forced to fling himself upon the ground when shells exploded close by,
Private Hardin quickly arose after each burst and doggedly continued to search for the traps of death that would threaten his fellow soldiers if not found and removed. While engaged in this mission, Private Hardin made the supreme sacrifice when he was struck by enemy mortar fire. His extreme bravery and courageous devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, aided materially in clearing a mined area for the passage of infantry troops. Private Hardin’s gallantry is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Buried at Hardin Valley Cemetery, Hardin Family Cemetery, Flag Pond, TN.
The Johnson City Press-Chronicle, May 18, 1951
The body of Private Vernon C. Hardin, who was killed in action in Korea, September, 1950, will arrive in Johnson City on Train No. 41 today. Hardin was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Merville H. Hardin, route 1, Flag Pond. Other survivors are a brother, Burlon Hardin; three sisters, Irene, Hazel Lee and Louise Hardin; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Hardin, Flag Pond.
Hardin joined the army in June, 1948 at Erwin and served with the Infantry at Fort Jackson, S.C., before going overseas. He went to Japan in November, 1948 where he served with the Eight Engineers of the First Cavalry Division, Infantry until going to Korea in April 1950.
- Rank: Private
- Date of birth: 21 June 1930
- Date of death: 11 October 1950
- County: Unicoi
- Hometown: Flag Pond
- Service Branch: Army
- Division/Assignment: 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division
- Conflict: Korean War
- Awards: Purple Heart, Silver Star, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Hardin Family Cemetery, Flag Pond, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XXI, Bottom Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Vernon C. Hardin
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