James C. Harding

James C. Harding (born June 27, 1934) is a retired United States Air Force colonel and pilot. He served two tours, during the Vietnam War and flew a total 596 missions, all in propeller aircraft.

He served as squadron commander for a 400-person unit at Lackland Air Force Base and as an A-1 Skyraider combat squadron commander. Harding is one of the top 25 most decorated American veterans.

Early life Harding was born on June 27, 1934, in Brookville, Pennsylvania,

Military career Harding served as an instructor pilot and aerial demonstration pilot at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, until September 1962. He flew with the 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, from September 1962 to July 1963, and then transferred to the 313th Air Division at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.

Vietnam War Harding flew 442 combat missions in the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog and U-10, of which 101 missions were over North Vietnam. 1st Lt. Ketchie was not rescued and was subsequently declared Missing in action. For his effort in leading the rescue mission, Harding was awarded the Air Force Cross.

Shoot-down and evasion He was shot down in Vietnam in 1972 northeast of Qui Nhơn and just south of the DMZ — an area overrun by the North Vietnamese Army.

After landing began clearing enemy foxholes. He killed three North Vietnamese soldiers, the first with his .38 pistol, the others with the dead soldier's SKS rifle. He successfully evaded capture by the North Vietnamese and was rescued by U.S. Army helicopters.

Post war After Vietnam, Harding then served with the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing at England Air Force Base, from November 1972 to November 1973, followed by service at Randolph Air Force Base, where he served until June 1976.

Harding then returned to Maxwell Air Force Base, where he served from July 1976 to September 1977. His final assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base, where he served from September 1977 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 31, 1979.

Later life After retiring from the Air Force, James served as Commander of several Air Force Junior ROTC detachments in Florida, Hawaii, Germany, Texas, and Italy.

He served as an honorary captain at the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights football game on November 14, 2017.

Awards and decorations Harding is a Command pilot and Master parachutist in the USAF. He has over 8,000 flight hours and flown aircraft such as T-33, F-86 Sabre, F-84 Thunderjet, O-1 Bird Dog, U-10, A-1 Skyraider, and A-7 Corsair.

Air Force Command Pilot BadgeAir Force Master Parachutist BadgeAir Force CrossSilver Starw/ 2 bronze oak leaf clustersLegion of Meritw/ 1 bronze oak leaf clusterDistinguished Flying Crossw/ 1 silver and 3 bronze oak leaf clustersBronze Starw/ Valor device and 1 bronze oak leaf clusterPurple Heartw/ 3 bronze oak leaf clustersMeritorious Service Medal Air Medalw/ 4 silver oak leaf clustersAir Medalw/ 3 silver and 1 bronze oak leaf clusters(second ribbon required for accouterment spacing)Air Medalw/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster(third ribbon required for accouterment spacing)Air Force Commendation Medalw/ 1 bronze oak leaf clusterPresidential Unit Citationw/ 2 bronze oak leaf clustersAir Force Outstanding Unit Awardw/ Valor device and 3 bronze oak leaf clustersCombat Readiness Medalw/ 2 bronze oak leaf clustersAir Force Recognition RibbonNational Defense Service MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service Medalw/ 1 silver and 3 bronze campaign starsAir Force Overseas Short Tour Service RibbonAir Force Overseas Long Tour Service RibbonAir Force Longevity Service Awardw/ 4 bronze oak leaf clustersSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbonw/ 1 award starVietnam Gallantry Crossw/ Bronze StarVietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Vietnam Campaign Medal

His other decoration include the Royal Thai Supreme Command Forward Badge (1st Class) of Thailand. Written descriptions of his medal awards can be read here: James Harding - Recipient