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Jack B. Hardwick Biography

Nicknames "Mad Man Muntz of the Air" named because he flew Intuitively "Dirty Jack" (he cracked dirty jokes). he was a "Man's Man"

Was an American born Pilot, writer, photographer, Cleveland Air Race 3 times winner, Ernest Hemingways drinking buddy, Aviation Film Advisor-Battle of BrittaIn, No Time for Sergeants, Jimmy Stewart film "Spirit of St. Louis", Tora, Tora, Tora (blew up modified fuselages made by Hardwick Aircraft Company, South El Monte, CA).

Born Christmas Day January 25, 1919 Wichita, Kansas

Only child

Pre-War

1939 2 years studied Journalism Independence Junior College, Independence, Kansas

Nov. 1939 to July 1941 Newspaper Photographer (employed by Wichita Eagle newspaper, Wichita, Kansas. Did photography and reporting on news stories. Also staff pilot for newspaper flying on news assignments. Editor and Publisher named Jack "Triple Threat" because: 1) piloted private plane to news story 2) photographed news story 3) wrote news story

1 Dec 44 Qualified: Expert Carbine Expert Pistol 45 Caliber Expert Sub-machine Gun. Member of: National Aeronautical Assn, Southwest Newspaper Photographers Assn.

War

September 29, 1942 Date of entry active duty Royal Canadian Air Force 1945 received letter from U.S. considered AWOL unless return to U.S. join military

Summary of Military Occupations:

Air Transport Command Pilot:

Was pilot for Air Transport Command, flying C-45, C-46, C-47, B-17 and B-24. Also flew P-38 in combat. Was basic instructor 8 months and advanced instructor 6 months. Total of 3000 flying hours. Was fighter pilot for the Royal Air Force, holds a Green Instrument Card. Was in European, China, Burma-India Theatres. Authorized Distinguished Cross. Was passenger on C-46, pilot became lost, instructed passenger how to bail out. Took over aircraft after all members had bailed out and made crash landing saving aircraft. (Republic de France medal) Credited with two enemy aircraft.

Military education:

Pre-flight Pilot Training, 8 weeks, Higley, Arizona Primary Pilot Training, 8 weeks, Visiala, Calif. Basic Pilot Training, 8 weeks, Chico, Calif. Advanced Pilot Training, 8 weeks, Stockton, Calif. Basic Instructors School, 6 weeks, Sacramento, Calif.C-47 7 B-25 Transition Course, 7 weeks, St. Joe, Mo. Transition Course, C-47, C-46, C-54, First Pilot, 4 weeks, Marrakech, French Morocco.

Military History: Military I.D.#0-73025 1st Lt.
 * Stationed North Africa contracted Malaria

Medals 1) Purple Heart-Head Injury while downing 2 Enemy Aircraft 2) Distinguished Flying Cross received 10/10/45 (Air Medal) 3) Order of the Black Star 4) Republic de France-Was passenger on C-46, pilot became lost, instructed passenger how to bail out. Took over aircraft after all members had bailed out and made crash landing saving aircraft.

Auth: American Defense Medal American Theatre Badge ORC - Badge Allied Nations Service Ribbon British Service Ribbon General, British C.O.P.        EAME Theatre Ribbon

Post War

Cleveland Air Races Film Advisor Film critique