Army Spc. Ethan C. Hardin

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Ethan C. Hardin, 25, of Fayetteville, Ark.

Spc. Hardin was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.; died Jan. 7, 2011 of wounds suffered in Logar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Army Pfc. Ira B. Laningham.

Spc. Hardin joined the U.S. Army in January 2006 and after completing training was stationed at Fort Irwin, California and in Germany before arriving to Fort Polk in March 2010. Hardin previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2008 through October 2009.

Hardin's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, ,Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Senator Mark Pryor made the following statement on the death of U.S. Army Specialist Ethan C. Hardin from Fayetteville, AR.

"Today I join all Arkansans in extending my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of U.S. Army Specialist Ethan C. Hardin, who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. Specialist Hardin was deployed in Logar Province, Afghanistan, and was dedicated to fighting terrorism and keeping our nation safe. Specialist Hardin's patriotism and courage make him a true American hero.

My thoughts and prayers are with Specialist Hardin's loved ones during this difficult time. Specialist Hardin had the greatest love for his country, and his country will always remember his sacrifice and service."

No statements have been released by the family. They have requested privacy during their time of grief and loss.

Governor Bebee Governor Beebe has ordered state flags to fly at half-staff through Wednesday in honor of Spec. Ethan C. Hardin.

Spc. Hardin is survived by his parents, Thomas and Cecelia Hardin, a brother, Paul D. Hardin, 23 and a sister, Adriel H. Wiggins of Springdale, AR.

Army Spc. Ethan C. Hardin was killed in action on 1/07/11.