Colonel David Hackworth

Biography

Colonel David Hackworth was a man who stuck to his guns and was never afraid to say exactly how he felt about an issue. He was a brave soldier who never put his men in any danger that he would not also face himself. One of the most decorated individuals in United States military history, he was innovative in his military tactics and led his troops well.

On Veteran's Day, November 11th, 1930, David Hackworth was born in California. Tragically, David's parents both died before he turned one. For the remainder of his youth, David was raised by his grandmother. Deeply moved by the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Hackworth knew what his fate in life would be. At the age of ten, he was shining shoes on a military base in Santa Monica.

At fourteen, he lied about his age and used fake identification documents in order to join the Merchant Marines. He was stationed around the California Coast. When he was fifteen, it was nearing the end of World War II and he joined the Army. He was a rifleman in the 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division and was sent to Trieste, Italy, on the northeastern border of the country to work with TRUST (Trieste United States Troops).

The Korean War began in 1950; Hackworth was selected to serve in this engagement. He was assigned to positions in the 25th Reconnaissance Company, the 8th Rangers and the 27th Infantry. He served as a sergeant initially but received a battlefield promotion to lieutenant whilst in combat. He earned several medals for heroism and three Purple Hearts. Due to a successful raid of a hill and his on site promotion, in was requested of him to lead a new unit, the 27th Wolfhound Raiders. He led them from August until November in 1951. He volunteered for a second stint in Korea and was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division where he would earn the promotion to captain.

Having grown bored with civilian life, two years after returning from Korea, he re-entered the Army. During the Cold War he served in the 77th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion at Manhattan Beach California. Shortly thereafter, he was assigned to Germany. Initially he worked as staff but eventually joined the infantry and helped to assist in fire drills during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. He attended various colleges and eventually graduated with a Bachelors of Science in History. Afterwards, he attended Command and General Staff College.

When President John F. Kennedy announced initial involvement with Vietnam, Hackworth jumped at the chance and immediately volunteered his service. He was denied for being overqualified and having too much experience. By 1965 he was finally deployed to Vietnam as a major. He served as an Operations Officer and a Battalion Commander in the 101st Airborne Division. He Co-Wrote the "Vietnam Primer" with his superior, General S.L.A. Marshall. The book detailed military strategies and maneuvers. It employed the use of guerrilla tactics, which echoed the methods being used by the enemy in an effort to beat ( or at least match) them at their own game. Hackworth took charge of a battalion known as the Heartbreak Battalion. It was known for having been led poorly and had lost 600 men in just six months time. The morale was extremely low before he took over. Hackworth retrained the men to fight like guerrillas. Instead of marching as huge units, the men crept in the night and the shadows. Six months after taking over, the battalion had lost an additional twenty-five men, which was a mere fraction of the previous six months, when 600 men were lost. They also were able to take out 2,600 members of the Viet Cong in that time. They re-nicknamed themselves to the Hard Core Battalion.

The Vietnam War encountered various problems and came under heavy criticism from some people. David Hackworth had some harsh opinions about the leadership and tactics involved in the war. However, he was loyal to his country and led a speaking tour around the United States in support of the Vietnam War. After the tour he returned to Vietnam and was given charge of the 9th Infantry Division in 1968.

In 1971, Hackworth was promoted to Colonel. He was given the opportunity to attend the Army War College . This was a good indication that he was being groomed for General Officer. However, he had been soiled by his personal experience in Vietnam and did not want to rise in the ranks. In June of 1971 he went on a television interview on an ABC show; during the program he voiced his strong opinions criticizing the leadership in the Vietnam War efforts and the war in general. This did not gain him any favor with his superiors and peers and he ended up retiring not too long after then.

After retiring from the military, he moved to Australia, where he took up several business ventures, including a duck farm. He came back to the United States in the 1980's and started a career in journalism. Newsweek hired him as a contributing editor. In 1989 he wrote a memoir about his military life called About Face: The Odyssey of an American Hero. Several tv shows had him on periodically to discuss his military opinions and he also discussed his experiences with post traumatic stress disorder. As a military journalist he was in hot pursuit of uncovering the truth. One of his common subjects, was investigating the validity of military awards that famous high ranking soldiers wore and was passionate about people wearing only the awards they earned.

Hackworth continued writing until his death. On May 4th, 2005 Colonel David Hackworth passed away from bladder cancer in Tijuana, Mexico where he was receiving treatment for his illness. His remains were laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery. Hackworth was an innovative and dedicated soldier. In spite of his opinionated nature that often criticized the military, his intent always had America's best interest in mind. He was a highly decorated, devoted and an honorable Colonel.

Colonel David Hackworth's Ribbon Rack

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Army Distinguished Service Cross
Hackworth earned the Army Distinguished Service Cross twice. The first time he earned this medal was for valorous actions performed on February 7th, 1968 during the Vietnam War. Hackworth led the way into enemy territory and exposed himself to heavy machine gun fire. The second time he earned this award was also during the Vietnam War on March 23rd - 25th, 1969 for yet again providing valorous service and exposing himself to extreme danger for he sake of the mission.
Army Distinguished Service Cross
Army Distinguished Service Cross
Hackworth earned the Army Distinguished Service Cross twice. The first time he earned this medal was for valorous actions performed on February 7th, 1968 during the Vietnam War. Hackworth led the way into enemy territory and exposed himself to heavy machine gun fire. The second time he earned this award was also during the Vietnam War on March 23rd - 25th, 1969 for yet again providing valorous service and exposing himself to extreme danger for he sake of the mission.
Silver Star
Colonel David Hackworth earned the Silver Star an impressive amount of ten times. He earned this award three times during the Korean War and seven times during the Vietnam War for providing heroic and excellent service.
Silver Star
Silver Star
Colonel David Hackworth earned the Silver Star an impressive amount of ten times. He earned this award three times during the Korean War and seven times during the Vietnam War for providing heroic and excellent service.
Legion of Merit
Colonel Hackworth earned this ribbon several times for rendering exceptional service while in a commanding position.
Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
Colonel Hackworth earned this ribbon several times for rendering exceptional service while in a commanding position.
Distinguished Flying Cross Medal
Hackworth earned this award for providing a heroic achievement while engaging in an aerial flight.
Distinguished Flying Cross Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross Medal
Hackworth earned this award for providing a heroic achievement while engaging in an aerial flight.
Bronze Star
The Bronze Star was awarded to Hackworth for performing act of heroism, that fall shy of earning the Silver Star. Hackworth was awarded the "V" device for acting heroically while engaged in combat.
Bronze Star
Bronze Star
The Bronze Star was awarded to Hackworth for performing act of heroism, that fall shy of earning the Silver Star. Hackworth was awarded the "V" device for acting heroically while engaged in combat.
Purple Heart Medal
Colonel Hackworth earned this award ten times for being wounded while serving active duty.
Purple Heart Medal
Purple Heart Medal
Colonel Hackworth earned this award ten times for being wounded while serving active duty.
Air Medal
Hackworth earned this award a grand total of thirty-four times for providing notable achievements while engaged in an aerial flight.
Air Medal
Air Medal
Hackworth earned this award a grand total of thirty-four times for providing notable achievements while engaged in an aerial flight.
Army Commendation Medal
David Hackworth earned this award several times for service that was distinguished but did not put his life in jeopardy. The V device was awarded for direct confrontation with an enemy.
Army Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
David Hackworth earned this award several times for service that was distinguished but did not put his life in jeopardy. The V device was awarded for direct confrontation with an enemy.
Army Good Conduct Medal
The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded for three years of faithful service during non-war periods of time and one years of faithful service during wartime.
Army Good Conduct Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded for three years of faithful service during non-war periods of time and one years of faithful service during wartime.
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal was awarded to anyone who served the US Military during World War II.
World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal was awarded to anyone who served the US Military during World War II.
World War II Occupation Medal
Hackworth earned this award during World War II for serving a minimum of thirty days in Trieste, Italy.
World War II Occupation Medal
World War II Occupation Medal
Hackworth earned this award during World War II for serving a minimum of thirty days in Trieste, Italy.
National Defense Service Medal
Hackworth received this medal for his service in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Hackworth received this medal for his service in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Korean Service Medal
Colonel Hackworth earned this award for his service in the Korean War. The star devices represent the multiple campaigns in which he was involved.
Korean Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Colonel Hackworth earned this award for his service in the Korean War. The star devices represent the multiple campaigns in which he was involved.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded when there is no equivalent award for a military involvement.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded when there is no equivalent award for a military involvement.
Vietnam Service Medal
Colonel Hackworth earned this award for participating in the Vietnam War. The star devices represent different campaigns.
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Colonel Hackworth earned this award for participating in the Vietnam War. The star devices represent different campaigns.
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
This award is given to members of the military who serve a total of ten years in the reserves.
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
This award is given to members of the military who serve a total of ten years in the reserves.
Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal
The Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal was earned by those Merchant Marines who provided service in the Pacific War Zone between December 7, 1941, to March 2, 1946.
Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal
Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal
The Merchant Marine Pacific War Zone Medal was earned by those Merchant Marines who provided service in the Pacific War Zone between December 7, 1941, to March 2, 1946.
Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal
Awarded to those in the Merchant Marines who served during World War II.
Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal
Merchant Marine World War II Victory Medal
Awarded to those in the Merchant Marines who served during World War II.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with gold star citation
This medal was awarded to acknowledge gallantry and valor during the Vietnam War. The gold star is awarded at the Corps level.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with gold star citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with gold star citation
This medal was awarded to acknowledge gallantry and valor during the Vietnam War. The gold star is awarded at the Corps level.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with palm citation
This medal was awarded to acknowledge gallantry and valor during the Vietnam War. The palm is awarded to the Armed Forces.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with palm citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with palm citation
This medal was awarded to acknowledge gallantry and valor during the Vietnam War. The palm is awarded to the Armed Forces.
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1C
This medal was awarded by the now defunct Republic of Vietnam to any soldier who helped with the forming of the Vietnamese military. First Class awards were given to those at an officer level.
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1C
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1C
This medal was awarded by the now defunct Republic of Vietnam to any soldier who helped with the forming of the Vietnamese military. First Class awards were given to those at an officer level.
Republic of Vietnam Staff Service 1C Medal
Awarded to those who served six months of military staff duty during the Vietnam War. The first class degree was given to officer ranks.
Republic of Vietnam Staff Service 1C Medal
Republic of Vietnam Staff Service 1C Medal
Awarded to those who served six months of military staff duty during the Vietnam War. The first class degree was given to officer ranks.
United Nations Korean Service Medal
Awarded by the United Nations to those who helped defend South Korea during the Korean War.
United Nations Korean Service Medal
United Nations Korean Service Medal
Awarded by the United Nations to those who helped defend South Korea during the Korean War.
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Awarded by the Republic of Korea to those served within the confines of Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days, between the dates of June 25th, 1950 and July 27th, 1953.
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Awarded by the Republic of Korea to those served within the confines of Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days, between the dates of June 25th, 1950 and July 27th, 1953.
Army Presidential Unit Citation
This unit citation is awarded to a unit that performs heroically while engaged in combat.
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Army Presidential Unit Citation
This unit citation is awarded to a unit that performs heroically while engaged in combat.
Army Valorous Unit Citation Award
This is a unit citation which is the equivalent of the Silver Star and ranks just below the Presidential Unit Citation.
Army Valorous Unit Citation Award
Army Valorous Unit Citation Award
This is a unit citation which is the equivalent of the Silver Star and ranks just below the Presidential Unit Citation.
Army Meritorious Unit Citation
Awarded to units that provide outstanding service for six continuous months.
Army Meritorious Unit Citation
Army Meritorious Unit Citation
Awarded to units that provide outstanding service for six continuous months.
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Awarded by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Awarded by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
Awarded to units that participated in humanitarian assistance in Vietnam.
Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
Awarded to units that participated in humanitarian assistance in Vietnam.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Awarded to units for valorous and heroic deeds performed during service in the Vietnam War.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Awarded to units for valorous and heroic deeds performed during service in the Vietnam War.
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action 1C Palm Unit Citation
Awarded to members of the military who had contributed to civic actions in a manner that would earn the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal.
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action 1C Palm Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action 1C Palm Unit Citation
Awarded to members of the military who had contributed to civic actions in a manner that would earn the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal.

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