[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1219-E1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF PATRICK ONEAL HARDY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2022

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements 
of Patrick ``Hawk'' Hardy and express my sincere gratitude for his 
service to our Nation.
  Although he is now a resident of Kountze, Texas, Patrick was born in 
Port Arthur, Texas, on June 14, 1949. Patrick, known by many as 
``Hawk,'' and I first met when we were children. In our youth, we made 
wonderful memories playing football together.
  After graduating from French High School, in Beaumont, Texas, in 
1968, Hawk enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He bravely served from 
1968 to 1970, earning the rank of sergeant. Former Secretary of the 
Navy, William K. Jones, stated the following citation while awarding 
Hawk with the Navy Commendation Medal:

       For meritorious service, while serving with the Second 
     Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection 
     with the combat operations against the enemy in the Republic 
     of Vietnam from 20 September 1969 to 11 September 1970. 
     Throughout this period, Sergeant Hardy performed his duties 
     in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Following 
     initial assignment to Company H, he was reassigned as Team 
     Leader of the Marine Liaison Team with the Fifth Battalion. 
     Republic of Korea Marine Corps. Participating in several 
     major combat operations, he repeatedly distinguished himself 
     by his courage and composure under fire. Particularity 
     noteworthy were Sergeant Hardy's achievements on 21 July 1970 
     as he skillfully coordinated the maneuver of United States 
     Marines and Korean Marines, thereby enabling them to close on 
     an enemy force attempting to cross the Vinh Dien River and 
     kill ten enemy soldiers. Displaying exceptional initiative 
     and resourcefulness, he organized and supervised a training 
     program for personnel in his section, which increased their 
     individual proficiency and enhanced the combat effectiveness 
     of his unit. As a result of his diligent and resourceful 
     efforts throughout his tour in the Republic of Vietnam, the 
     operational effectiveness of his unit was greatly enhanced. 
     By his initiative, superb professionalism, and loyal devotion 
     to duty, Sergeant Hardy earned the respect of all who served 
     with him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps 
     and of the United States Naval Service.

  Hawk attended Lamar University in Beaumont, graduating with an 
associate degree in law enforcement and a bachelor's degree in criminal 
justice. He worked as a deputy sheriff in Harris County from 1971 to 
1981. In May of 1981, he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence. Hawk 
served as a criminal investigator and First Assistant Prosecutor in 
Hardin, Jasper, and Tyler counties. He was a county attorney for Tyler 
County in 1984 and later served as the Tyler County District Attorney 
from 1985 to 1990. Hawk also served as a criminal investigator in 
Kaunnan County and was appointed as the Assistant Prosecutor.
  Hawk has been a student of taekwondo since the age of 16. However, in 
the 1970s, he also made a name for himself on the karate circuit, 
winning numerous titles and awards. He reached professional status 
after claiming the 1975 U.S. Karate Championship title. From 2000 to 
2008, he competed extensively in Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments 
worldwide, winning 21 gold medals, four silver medals, and seven bronze 
medals. In 2004, he was the legendary Royce Gracie's first Black Belt, 
which Hawk stated was his proudest moment in martial arts. Hawk still 
holds a Black Belt in taekwondo, tang soo do, and Gracie jiu-jitsu, as 
well as a 5th degree in Shotokan.
  Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure to honor my friend Patrick 
``Hawk'' Hardy. His

[[Page E1220]]

love for our country is evident in his patriotic service and diligence 
in protecting and defending it. He is one-of-a-kind.

                          ____________________