UNION CITY, Tenn., (Jun. 23, 2026) — Discovery Park of America has announced that Col. James C. Harding of Huntingdon, Tennessee, will appear at the museum’s Tennessee America 250 celebration July 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Military Gallery. Col. Harding is America’s most-decorated living veteran under a points-based ranking of military decorations, which measures the full record of honors received rather than a veteran’s single highest award. His long list of decorations and national recognitions includes the Air Force Cross, three Silver Stars, four Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, nine Distinguished Flying Crosses and 40 Air Medals. 

“With two days of living historians, reenactors, craftspeople, concerts and hands-on learning activities, our Independence Day celebration this year is going to be one of the largest events we’ve ever held at Discovery Park,” said Scott Williams, the museum’s CEO. “The addition of Col. Harding’s appearance offers guests a rare opportunity to hear from a living witness to American courage, sacrifice, leadership and the enduring commitment to bring Americans home from war.” 

Born June 27, 1934, Harding entered the Air Force in 1956 as a distinguished graduate of Penn State University’s Air Force ROTC program. During a 23-year military career, he served in a variety of flying, teaching and command assignments, including as commander of the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Harding flew 596 combat missions in Southeast Asia, all in propeller aircraft, including 101 missions over North Vietnam in the O-1 Bird Dog and 154 missions in the A-1 Skyraider. 

As a “Sandy” pilot and on-scene commander, Harding helped direct combat search-and-rescue missions to recover downed American aviators behind enemy lines. One of those missions, the rescue of Marine pilot Clyde Smith, became one of the most extraordinary air-rescue efforts of the Vietnam War. Harding later survived being shot down himself, evaded enemy troops and helped direct rescuers to his wingman. 

Since retiring from the Air Force, Harding has continued a life of service as an educator, mentor, pastor, veterans advocate and civic leader. He helped lead Air Force Junior ROTC programs in the United States and overseas, later settled in Huntingdon and returned to his agricultural roots through Harding Tree Farm. In recent years, he has remained active as a speaker and community leader, sharing the values that guided him in combat: integrity, accountability, humility, tenacity and love. 

Harding will join Discovery Park of America’s Tennessee America 250 celebration July 3 at 2:30 p.m., just days after his 92nd birthday. 

For July 3 and 4, Discovery Park is offering $10 general admission and extended hours until 7 p.m. Thanks to the Blue Star Museums initiative, currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families receive free admission. Military veterans and their families will also receive free admission July 3 and 4. 

Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 programming is made possible in part by a grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, with sponsorship from Tech Plus, Walmart and Leaders Credit Union.

 

Photo caption one: Col. James C. Harding of Huntingdon, Tennessee, will appear at the museum’s Tennessee America 250 celebration July 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Military Gallery. The program will be hosted by Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams and recorded for an episode of the museum’s podcast, “Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast.” 

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Photo caption two: Then-Maj. James C. Harding stands beside an A-1 Skyraider marked “HOBO 01” during his Vietnam War service with the U.S. Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Squadron, known as the Hobos. Harding flew 154 combat missions in the A-1 Skyraider, including “Sandy” search-and-rescue missions to recover downed American aviators. 

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