Duane D. Hackney was born in Flint, Michigan back in 1947. He graduated from the Beecher High School in 1965. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. he was trained as a pararescue specialist. On his first mission a .30-caliber slug buried itself in his leg. To avoid being grounded he had one of his buddies take it out with a probe.
That set the tone for the rest of his time in Vietnam. All in all, he saw more than 200 combat mission in his three and a half years there. He was shot down five times during his tour. In 1991, he retired as a Chef Master Sergeant. Sadly, he died in1993 from a heart attack, he was only 46.
What you may not know about Duane is he was and still is the most decorated enlisted man in the UASF history. He received 28 decorations for valor in combat and more than 70 awards and decoration in all. He earned four Distinguished Flying Crosses, not for flying a certain number of mission but for acts of heroism. He was the only living enlisted man and the youngest to receive the Air Force Cross.
Your day is worthwhile when you make someone smile, so give the free gift of a smile today
Comments (16)Subscribe to CommentsComment