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<em>Eads Graham Hardaway</em> was born 3 July 1913 in Springfield, Illinois, son of the late John B. and Kathreen Graham Hardaway and brother of the late Jack B. Hardaway. After graduating from Springfield High School, he studied mechanical engineering at the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri for two years where he was guard on the football team and a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He entered the United States Military Academy on a congressional appointment from Missouri at large.</p>
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As noted by his roommate in the <em>Howitzer</em> biography, he arrived at West Point “with the moniker ‘Tank’ already affixed. No nickname could more aptly connote the qualities we know him to possess—aggressiveness, dependability, faithfulness of service, and the will to go forward.” These qualities foretold his success during his Army career and later in civilian life after retirement from the Army.</p>
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Tank loved sports, especially football. Unfortunately, time required for academics at the Academy denied him the opportunity to make full use of his athletic abilities. In spite of this he was a faithful member of the goat football team and succeeded in getting back on the Corps squad as a guard during first class year. His ready adjustment to cadet life was reflected in his high standing in military aptitude which qualified him for appointment to corporal as a yearling, sergeant as a second classman and lieutenant as a first classman. Also, in recognition of his sound judgment and moral rectitude he was made a member of the Honor Committee. Tank’s friendly manner and pleasing personality made him well-known and respected among all his classmates.</p>
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Upon graduation Tank was commissioned in the Infantry as a second lieutenant and, after graduation leave, reported to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri for temporary duty in the 6th Infantry while awaiting overseas assignment to Fort McKinley, Philippine Islands. From 21 February 1938 until 19 February 1940 he served as platoon and later company commander in the 57th Infantry. It was while at Fort McKinley that he courted and married his OAO, Bettsy Perry Robertson on 10 February 1940. Bettsy was the daughter of Air Corps Captain W. A. Robertson.</p>
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Upon return to the States for duty at Fort Benning, Georgia, Tank served as a platoon leader in the 29th Infantry until July 1940. Tank and Bettsy then moved to Fort Jackson where he commanded Company D, 13th Infantry. From this point until retirement from the Army, 30 June 1966, Tank’s service to his country is summarized by the then Chief of Staff of the Army, the late General Harold K. Johnson: “The proficiency you exhibited as a commander and as a staff officer early in your career developed to the definite advantage of the Army … Early in World War II, the Army was fortunate to have an officer with your qualifications to assist as a battalion executive officer and later battalion commander in the 353rd Infantry at Camp Carson and Camp Roberts. Assigned to the 120th Infantry in Germany, you demonstrated superior leadership and gallantry in action in leading your battalion in an attack which broke the enemy’s main line of resistance and contributed significantly to the success of the 30th Infantry Division. As a prisoner of war you again displayed high qualities of leadership among your fellow prisoners.</p>
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“Following the war, the Army continued to use your proved capabilities in positions of responsibility, including those as an instructor and company commander in the Department of Tactics at the United States Military Academy, where you demonstrated outstanding ability in directing the activities and molding the character of cadets. When you were assigned as executive officer in the G-4 Section of United States Army Forces in the Antilles, your ability was an important factor in the smooth functioning of that command. Assigned next to the faculty of the Infantry School, you were responsible in large measure for improving the instruction of the school, first as director of the Staff Department and later as director of the Automotive Department. Next, as assistant Chief of Staff G-2 for the X Corps and concurrently as G-2 Advisor to the First Republic of Korea Army you not only measurably increased the security, the training, and the operating efficiency of these organizations, but you also ensured the maintenance of a vitally effective system of the intelligence activities within these two units. During your tenure as commanding officer of the 34th Infantry Regiment you habitually displayed mature judgment and a high order of professional competence.</p>
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“After your graduation from the National War College you served successively as chief of the Theaters Branch, deputy chief of Plans Division, and executive and deputy executive, all in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics in Washington. In these radically different assignments your diligence and initiative were outstanding, and you were directly instrumental in developing emergency plans for the deployment and support of United States forces to meet worldwide contingencies. You were equally effective in your subsequent assignments as chief of the Plans and Programs Division of the J-4 Directorate in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Assistant Chief of Staff G-4 for the Southern European Task Force, and as commanding officer of the 8th Logistical Command. Throughout your career, culminating in your performance as comptroller and director of Programs for the Army Materiel Command, in which assignment you played a key role in organizing that command, your efforts have consistently advanced the ability of the Army to promote the security of our country.”</p>
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It was during Bettsy and Tank’s tour in the Antilles Department, Puerto Rico, that their first child, Margaret K (Katie), was born 9 September 1948. Next as a student at the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 1949-50, Tank specialized in logistics thereby furthering his expertise in this field. After Leavenworth Tank was a student at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia where they completed their family with a son, William E, born 17 May 1951.</p>
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Among the decorations he received during his exemplary career were the Silver Star for leading his battalion in the breakthrough at St. Lo, France; Bronze Star for his conduct as a prisoner of war of the Germans in Germany and Poland; Legion of Merit for service as Assistant Chief of Staff G-2, X Corps in Korea; and Distinguished Service Medal upon retirement as a brigadier general.</p>
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Tank entered civilian life with his characteristic determination and high sense of responsibility. His transition from Army life to the position of Dean of Men at Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina was an easy one since he had excelled in dealing with men and personnel problems in the service. By his personality and vast experience he left his imprint on the student body by the time he retired from this position 31 May 1973. After his death Bettsy received many letters from the students whose lives he had touched.</p>
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After Furman Tank spent two years as director of personnel at Greenville Technical College and then retired to enjoy his remaining years with his family, playing golf at which he excelled (he shot a 71 on his 71st birthday), volunteer work with the First Presbyterian Church where he was an active member of his Sunday School Class. He was also on the board of directors of Meals on Wheels and later its treasurer, and was a member of the Lions Club.</p>
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Tank was stricken suddenly by cancer in March 1985 and died one year later on 27 March 1986. In addition to Bettsy he is survived by daughter Katie Burgess of Columbia, South Carolina; son William E. of Greenville, South Carolina; and three grandchildren—Ben, Luke, and Sarah Hardaway.</p>
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One of the greatest rewards of Tank’s retirement was the chance to play his beloved golf, year round. He spent many happy hours at the Furman University Golf Course and made many friends. These friends remembering his love of Furman and of golf have honored him by an Annual Tank Hardaway Golf Tournament, which is held each Labor Day. The proceeds go to Meals on Wheels. A plaque with Tank’s name, and each year’s winners inscribed, hangs in the pro shop.</p>
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Tank was a faithful son of West Point who lived and served according to the ideals expressed in our Alma Mater and the Cadet Prayer.</p>
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