Reidsville family welcomes fallen hero home after 70 years (Korean War POW)

REIDSVILLE, N.C. — There was a special homecoming Wednesday morning at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The recently identified remains of Sgt. David Hardy were returned home.

In what can only be described as an incredibly somber ceremony, family and a grateful nation welcomed home Hardy.

On a stormy morning at Piedmont Triad International Airport, an honor guard received the remains of Hardy. The family of this fallen Korean War veteran surrounded his casket. They held flags and each other.

Hardy served in the Korean War and died in a prisoner-of-war camp, according to military records. After the war, his remains were returned to the United States, but they were not able to identify Hardy. He was buried in Honolulu, Hawaii, with other unidentified soldiers.

In 2018, the military began the process of identifying soldiers' remains using updated DNA analysis. Hardy was identified and accounted for in September of last year.

Karen Hardy said, “It was overwhelming and we have not had a dry eye in the family for weeks. With the anticipation of this event, to know that our cousin and family member is coming home after such a long time of being lost and unknown, for this event to happen, for our family and our town and our county and our country is just remarkable, and it's a huge blessing that we are so proud to be part of.”

Folks lined the streets of Reidsville as the motorcade carrying the remains of Hardy drove past. Some people held their hands over their hearts while others waved flags.

The family will receive visitors between 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday at Citty funeral home in Reidsville, with a service soon afterward. They are inviting the public to attend.

David 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.

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