Remember Our Heroes
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy, 29, of Durham, N.H.
Navy Seal Hardy was assigned to East Coast-based SEAL team; died Feb. 4, 2008 from wounds sustained from small-arms fire during combat operations in Iraq. Also killed was Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael E. Koch.
Navy son of UNH professor dies in Iraq
The Associated Press
NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy son of a University of New Hampshire professor and administrative assistant has been killed in action in Iraq.
Navy SEAL Nathan Hardy and fellow SEAL Michael Koch of State College, Pa., died Feb. 4 after being wounded by small-arms fire, the Defense Department said. Both men were stationed in Norfolk, Va.
It was Hardy’s fourth deployment in Iraq, according to his father, Stephen Hardy, a professor of kinesiology. His mother, Donna Hardy, is an administrative assistant in UNH’s psychology department.
Nathan Hardy grew up in Durham and was a 1997 graduate of Oyster River High School. He joined the Navy after graduation.
Other family members include his wife, Mindy, and their 7-month-old son, Parker; and a brother, Ben, of Middlebury, Vt.
Another brother, Josh, died in 1993 while a senior at Oyster River High School.
“Our hearts go out to Steve and Donna Hardy, and their son, Ben, at this incredibly difficult time,” UNH President Mark Huddleston said in a statement. “We know it was Nate’s dream to become a U.S. Navy SEAL when he graduated from high school, and he pursued that dream and excelled at it. His death has stunned all who knew him, and all who know his parents, who both are so much a part of the UNH community.”
Koch leaves behind his parents and a fiancee. He enlisted in July 1998 and entered SEAL training in January 1999, according to The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk. He received the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy was killed in action on 2/4/08.
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