# David Hackworth

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{{Short description|American soldier and journalist (1930–2005)}}
{{Infobox military person
| name          = David Hackworth
| image         = David Hackworth.JPG
| caption       = Hackworth in [Zagreb, Croatia](/source/Zagreb) in December 1995
| birth_name    = David Haskell Hackworth
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|1930|11|11}}
| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2005|5|4|1930|11|11}}
| birth_place   = Ocean Park, California, U.S.<br />(now [Santa Monica, California](/source/Santa_Monica%2C_California), U.S.)
| death_place   = [Tijuana](/source/Tijuana), Mexico
| burial_place  = [Arlington National Cemetery](/source/Arlington_National_Cemetery)
| nickname      = "Hack", "Mr Infantry"
| allegiance    = United States
| branch        = [United States Merchant Marine](/source/United_States_Merchant_Marine)<br/>[United States Army](/source/United_States_Army)
| service_years = 1945 (U.S. Merchant Marine)<br />1946–1954, 1956–1971 (U.S. Army)
| rank          = [Colonel](/source/Colonel_(United_States))
| unit          = {{Plain list|
* [88th Infantry Division](/source/88th_Infantry_Division_(United_States))
* [25th Infantry Division](/source/25th_Infantry_Division_(United_States))
* [40th Infantry Division](/source/40th_Infantry_Division_(United_States))
* [101st Airborne Division](/source/101st_Airborne_Division_(United_States))
* [9th Infantry Division](/source/9th_Infantry_Division_(United_States))
}}
| commands      = {{Plain list|
* [Tiger Force](/source/Tiger_Force)
* 4th Battalion, [39th Infantry Regiment](/source/39th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States))
}}
| battles       = {{Plain list|
* [World War II](/source/World_War_II)
* [Korean War](/source/Korean_War)
* [Vietnam War](/source/Vietnam_War)
}}
| awards        = {{Plain list|
* [Distinguished Service Cross](/source/Distinguished_Service_Cross_(United_States)) (2)
* [Silver Star](/source/Silver_Star) (10)
* [Legion of Merit](/source/Legion_of_Merit) (4)
* [Distinguished Flying Cross](/source/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_States))
* [Bronze Star Medal](/source/Bronze_Star_Medal) (8) with ["V"](/source/%22V%22_Device)
* [Purple Heart](/source/Purple_Heart) (8)
* [Air Medal](/source/Air_Medal) (34) with ["V"](/source/%22V%22_Device)
* [Army Commendation Medal](/source/Army_Commendation_Medal) (4) with ["V"](/source/%22V%22_Device)
}}
| relations     = 
| other_work    = Author, journalist and restaurateur
}}

[Colonel](/source/Colonel_(United_States)) '''David Haskell Hackworth''' (November 11, 1930 – May 4, 2005) was a [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army) officer and journalist, who was highly decorated in both the [Korean War](/source/Korean_War) and [Vietnam War](/source/Vietnam_War). Hackworth is known for his role in the formation and command of [Tiger Force](/source/Tiger_Force), a military unit from the [101st Airborne Division](/source/101st_Airborne_Division) that used [guerrilla warfare](/source/guerrilla_warfare) tactics against [Viet Cong](/source/Viet_Cong)  in [South Vietnam](/source/South_Vietnam).

He was the youngest US colonel in Vietnam at the time of his promotion. He was described by General [Creighton Abrams](/source/Creighton_Abrams), who commanded all US military operations from 1968 to 1972 in Vietnam, as "the best battalion commander I ever saw in the United States Army."<ref>{{Cite news|first=Phil|last=McCombs|title=The Outspoke Commander|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1989/05/10/the-outspoken-commander/83a40ac2-4215-4c60-bdf7-7ab27ff4b0d1/|newspaper=[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)|date=May 10, 1989|access-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref>

==Early life==
Hackworth was born in [Ocean Park, California](/source/Ocean_Park%2C_California) (now part of [Santa Monica](/source/Santa_Monica%2C_California)), on November 11, 1930, the son of Leroy E. Hackworth and Lorette (Kensly) Hackworth.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/ |title=Dave Haskell Hackworth in the U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007 |date=September 29, 2004 |website=Ancestry.com |publisher=Ancestry.com, LLC |location=Provo, UT |access-date=December 6, 2017 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> His parents both died before he was a year old, so he and his brother and sister were raised by Ida Stedman, their paternal grandmother.<ref name="King">{{cite news |date=May 5, 2005 |title=Col. David. H. Hackworth, Legendary U.S. Army Guerrilla Fighter, Champion of the Ordinary Soldier, Dead at 74 |url=http://kingfeatures.com/2005/05/col-david-h-hackworth-legendary-u-s-army-guerrilla-fighter-champion-of-the-ordinary-soldier-dead-at-74/ |work=King Features Syndicate |publisher=Hearst Communications |location=New York, NY}}</ref>

The family had to rely on government aid during the [Great Depression](/source/Great_Depression), and his grandmother, who had been married to a [Colorado](/source/Colorado) gold miner, brought them up on tales of her [Old West](/source/Old_West) experiences and her [Revolutionary War](/source/American_Revolution) ancestors.<ref name="King" /> While attending school in Santa Monica, Hackworth and a friend earned money by shining the shoes of soldiers stationed at bases in the area.<ref name="Irish">{{cite news |date=May 14, 2005 |title=Much-decorated war veteran who became critic of US establishment |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/much-decorated-war-veteran-who-became-critic-of-us-establishment-1.442393 |newspaper=[The Irish Times](/source/The_Irish_Times) |location=Dublin, Ireland}}</ref>

==Military career==
Imbued with a sense of adventure, at age 14, Hackworth lied about his age and paid a transient to pose as his father so he could claim to be old enough to join the [United States Merchant Marine](/source/United_States_Merchant_Marine) with parental consent.<ref name="King" /><ref name="Irish" />
In 1945 he served aboard a Merchant Marine ship in the [South Pacific Ocean](/source/South_Pacific_Ocean) during the final months of [World War II](/source/World_War_II).<ref name=Lieberman>{{cite book |last=Lieberman |first=Joseph, Senator |date=May 26, 2005 |title=Congressional Record: Remarks on the Death of Colonel David Hackworth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vWBxXUEZ13EC&pg=PA1273 |location=Washington, DC |publisher=US Government Printing Office |page=11535|isbn=9780160889400 }}</ref>  After he returned home to California he decided to join the [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army). In 1946, he used his Merchant Marine documents to enlist for three years.<ref name="Lieberman"/> After completing his initial training, he was assigned to post-war occupation duty as a rifleman in the [351st Infantry Regiment](/source/351st_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)), [88th Infantry Division](/source/88th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)).  Based in [Trieste](/source/Trieste), his unit was part of [Trieste United States Troops](/source/Trieste_United_States_Troops). While serving in Trieste, Hackworth earned his [General Educational Development](/source/General_Educational_Development) high-school equivalency diploma.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hackworth|first= David|title=About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior|year= 1990|page= 217|publisher=Avid Reader Press |isbn=978-1982144043}}</ref>

===Korea===
Hackworth fought  with the 25th Reconnaissance Company and the [27th Infantry (Wolfhound) Regiment](/source/27th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)) of the [25th Infantry Division](/source/25th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)) during the [Korean War](/source/Korean_War). He earned a [battlefield commission](/source/battlefield_commission) as a [second lieutenant](/source/second_lieutenant) in 1951 and was awarded three [Silver Stars](/source/Silver_Stars) for heroism and three [Purple Heart](/source/Purple_Heart)s. After a successful raid on Hill 1062 and battlefield promotion to first lieutenant, the commander of the 27th Infantry Regiment offered Hackworth command of a new volunteer raider unit. Hackworth created the 27th Wolfhound Raiders and led them from August to November 1951. He subsequently volunteered for a second tour in Korea, this time with the [40th Infantry Division](/source/40th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)). Hackworth was promoted to the rank of [captain](/source/Captain_(US_Army)).<ref name="About_Face">''See'' David Hackworth, ''About Face''.</ref>

===Cold War===
{{external media | width = 210px | float = left | headerimage= | video1 = [https://www.c-span.org/video/?7378-1/face-odyssey-american-warrior ''Booknotes'' interview with Hackworth on ''About Face'', May 7, 1989], [C-SPAN](/source/C-SPAN)}}
Hackworth was demobilized after the [Korean Armistice Agreement](/source/Korean_Armistice_Agreement) in 1954. But he quickly became bored with civilian life, so after two years of college he re-joined the U.S. Army as a captain in 1956.

When Hackworth returned to active duty, the [Cold War](/source/Cold_War) substantially changed the structure of the army from what he had known. Initially posted to 77th [Antiaircraft Artillery](/source/Anti-aircraft_warfare) [Battalion](/source/Battalion) in [Manhattan Beach, California](/source/Manhattan_Beach%2C_California), Hackworth was eventually assigned to [Germany](/source/Germany), initially in staff roles, but returning to [infantry](/source/infantry) in the early 1960s as a company commander under Colonel Glover S. Johns. He was involved in a number of fire drills around the [Berlin Crisis of 1961](/source/Berlin_Crisis_of_1961). He recounted his experiences with the Soviet guard and his views on military history in his book ''About Face''.

After completing an [associate of arts](/source/associate_of_arts) degree at [Los Angeles Harbor College](/source/Los_Angeles_Harbor_College),<ref>Hackworth pp. 324–25</ref> and completing additional courses at several other colleges, in 1964, Hackworth graduated from [Austin Peay State University](/source/Austin_Peay_State_University) with a [Bachelor of Science](/source/Bachelor_of_Science) degree in [history](/source/history), after which he attended the [Command and General Staff College](/source/United_States_Army_Command_and_General_Staff_College).<ref>Hackworth pp. 448–49</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apsu.edu/news/author-columnist-commentator-david-hackworth-speak-june-5|title=Author, columnist, commentator David Hackworth to speak June 5|publisher=[Austin Peay State University](/source/Austin_Peay_State_University)|access-date=April 5, 2013|archive-date=October 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011232633/http://www.apsu.edu/news/author-columnist-commentator-david-hackworth-speak-june-5}}, May 20, 2002</ref>

===Vietnam ===
When President [John F. Kennedy](/source/John_F._Kennedy) announced that a large advisory team was being sent to [South Vietnam](/source/South_Vietnam), Hackworth immediately volunteered for service. His request was denied, on the grounds that he had too much frontline experience, and that others who had seen less fighting (or none) should have an opportunity to acquire experience in combat.<ref>David Hackworth, [https://books.google.com/books?id=H2ofpCdu4boC&dq=david+hackworth+%22too+much+combat+experience%2C+the+guys+at+Personnel+said.%22&pg=PA416 ''About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior''], 1990, p. 416</ref>

In 1965, he deployed to Vietnam at the rank of [Major](/source/Major_(United_States)), serving as an [operations officer](/source/Operations_(military_staff)) and battalion commander in the [101st Airborne Division](/source/101st_Airborne_Division). In November 1965, Hackworth founded a platoon-sized unit designated as [Tiger Force](/source/Tiger_Force) to "out guerrilla the guerrillas".<ref>Sallah and Weiss, ''Tiger Force'', 13–14, 23, 224.</ref> <!-- Tiger Force (Recon) --> The unit carried out [long-range reconnaissance patrol](/source/long-range_reconnaissance_patrol) duties, suffering heavy casualties; it was eventually awarded the [Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States)).<ref>Mahr, "[http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/SRTIGERFORCE/40328015 Unit's founder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107233127/http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F99999999%2FSRTIGERFORCE%2F40328015 |date=January 7, 2010 }}"</ref> However, after Hackworth was reassigned out of Vietnam, the unit committed a series of [war crimes](/source/United_States_war_crimes), with U.S. Army investigative records estimating that Tiger Force soldiers killed hundreds of noncombatants. Hackworth later stated in an interview with the ''[Toledo Blade](/source/The_Blade_(Toledo%2C_Ohio))'' that he was unaware of the war crimes the unit carried out and refused to speculate on why they occurred.<ref name="toledoblade.com">{{Cite web|first=Joe|last=Mahr|title=Unit's founder says he didn't know of atrocities|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/special-tiger-force/2004/03/28/Unit-s-founder-says-he-didn-t-know-of-atrocities.html|publisher=[Toledo Blade](/source/The_Blade_(Toledo%2C_Ohio))|date=March 28, 2004|access-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref>

Hackworth quickly developed a reputation as an eccentric but effective soldier, becoming a public figure in several books authored by General [S. L. A. "Slam" Marshall](/source/S._L._A._Marshall). Following a stateside tour at [the Pentagon](/source/the_Pentagon) and promotion to [Lieutenant Colonel](/source/Lieutenant_colonel_(United_States)), Hackworth co-wrote ''The Vietnam Primer'' with Marshall after returning to Vietnam in the winter of 1966–67 on an Army-sponsored tour with the famous historian and commentator. The book advised [counter-insurgency](/source/counter-insurgency) fighters to adopt some of the guerrilla tactics used by [Mao Zedong](/source/Mao_Zedong), [Che Guevara](/source/Che_Guevara), and [Ho Chi Minh](/source/Ho_Chi_Minh). Hackworth described the strategy as "out-G-ing the G." His personal and professional relationship with Marshall soured as Hackworth became suspicious of his methods and motivation.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book |first1=Julie |last1=Sherman |date=April 15, 1990 |title=About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior |publisher=Touchstone |location=California |isbn=0671695347}}</ref>

However, both his assignment with "Slam" Marshall and his time on staff duty at the Pentagon soured Hackworth on the [Vietnam War](/source/Vietnam_War). One aspect of the latter required him to publicly defend the U.S. position on the war in a speaking tour. Even with his reservations concerning the conflict, he refused to resign, feeling it was his duty as a field grade officer to wage the campaign as best he could.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

thumb|right|300px|Fire Support Base Danger, Dinh Tuong Province, March 1969: This fire support base was the 4-39th Infantry Battalion headquarters when Hackworth took command of that unit.
Hackworth was assigned to a training battalion at [Fort Lewis](/source/Fort_Lewis_(Washington)), Washington, and then returned to Vietnam to lead elements of the [9th Infantry Division](/source/9th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)), turning his theories about guerrilla warfare and how to counter it into practice with the 4th Battalion, [39th Infantry Regiment](/source/39th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)) (4-39 Infantry) in the [Mekong Delta](/source/Mekong_Delta), an underperforming unit made up largely of conscripts which Hackworth transformed into the counter-insurgent "Hardcore" Battalion (Recondo) from January to late May 1969.

Hackworth next served as a senior military adviser to the [ARVN](/source/ARVN), the South Vietnamese army. His view that the U.S. Army was not learning from its mistakes, and that ARVN officers were essentially corrupt and ineffective, created friction with Army leadership.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

In early 1971, Hackworth was promoted to the rank of [Colonel](/source/Colonel_(United_States)) and received orders to attend the [Army War College](/source/United_States_Army_War_College), an indication that he was being groomed for the general officer ranks. He had declined a previous opportunity to go to the War College, and turned down this one as well, indicating his lack of interest in becoming a general and demonstrating his discontent with the war and the Army's leaders.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

===Criticism===
Hackworth's dissatisfaction ultimately culminated in a television interview with [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company). On June 27, 1971, he appeared on the program ''[Issues and Answers](/source/Issues_and_Answers)'' and strongly criticized U.S. commanders in Vietnam, said the war could not be won and called for U.S. withdrawal. The interview enraged senior U.S. Army officers at the Pentagon.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

He subsequently retired as a colonel.  Senior Army leaders investigated Hackworth, who avoided them for several weeks.  He was nearly [court-martial](/source/court-martial)ed for various allegations during his Vietnam service, such as running a brothel, running gambling houses, and exploiting his position for personal profit by manipulating the [scrip](/source/scrip) in which soldiers were paid and the limited U.S. currency available in the war zone. Ultimately, Secretary of the Army [Robert Froehlke](/source/Robert_Frederick_Froehlke) opted not to press charges, deciding that Hackworth's career accomplishments outweighed his supposed misdeeds and that prosecuting an outspoken war hero would result in unneeded bad publicity for the Army.<ref name="blade-retirement">{{cite news
  | url         = http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/SRTIGERFORCE/403280375
  | title       = Army brass let Hackworth retire despite host of alleged misdeeds
  | last        = Mahr
  | first       = Joe
  | date        = October 31, 2003
  | work        = Toledo Blade
  | access-date = April 12, 2009
}}</ref>

==Post-military career==
===Australia===
After leaving the Army, Hackworth settled in the [Australian Gold Coast](/source/Gold_Coast%2C_Queensland) near [Brisbane](/source/Brisbane).<ref name="Tweed">{{cite news |date=May 12, 2005 |title=US colonel sought solace on Tweed |url=https://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/apn-us-colonel-sought-solace-on/148481/ |work=[Tweed Daily News](/source/Tweed_Daily_News) |location=Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia}}</ref> He soon made a fortune through profitable ventures that included [real estate investing](/source/real_estate_investing), a duck farm, and a popular restaurant called Scaramouche.<ref name="Tweed"/><ref name="Sydney">{{cite news |date=May 13, 2005 |title=Skilled soldier was a rebel with a cause |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/skilled-soldier-was-a-rebel-with-a-cause-20050513-gdlb8h.html |work=[The Sydney Morning Herald](/source/The_Sydney_Morning_Herald) |location= Sydney, New South Wales, Australia}}</ref> He was also active in the Australian [antinuclear movement](/source/antinuclear_movement).<ref name="Sydney"/>

===Writing ===
Hackworth returned to the U.S. in the mid-1980s and began working as a contributing editor on defense issues for ''[Newsweek](/source/Newsweek)''. He also made regular television appearances to discuss various military-related topics, and the shortcomings of the military. His commentary on the psychological effects of [post-traumatic stress disorder](/source/post-traumatic_stress_disorder), based on his own experiences in overcoming it, resonated with disabled veterans.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}}

In the mid-1990s, Hackworth investigated Admiral [Jeremy Michael Boorda](/source/Jeremy_Michael_Boorda), then Chief of Naval Operations. Hackworth, through his ''Newsweek'' articles, questioned Boorda's longtime wearing of two bronze ["valor pins"](/source/%22V%22_device)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beneath the Waves |url=https://www.newsweek.com/beneath-waves-178388 |magazine=[Newsweek](/source/Newsweek) |date=13 March 2010 |orig-date=26 May 1996 |access-date=22 April 2024}}</ref>  (in the Navy, the "V" device was worn on certain decorations to denote valor in combat or direct combat participation with the enemy) on his [Navy Commendation Medal](/source/Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Commendation_Medal) and [Navy Achievement Medal](/source/Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Achievement_Medal) service ribbons, generating much controversy. Boorda committed suicide before he could be interviewed by Hackworth, who had received at least one [Army Commendation Medal](/source/Army_Commendation_Medal) and other decorations with the "V" device from the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War (in the Army, the "V" device denoted valor in combat only). The Navy reviewed the matter and determined afterwards that the two "Combat Distinguishing Devices" ([Combat "V"'s](/source/%22V%22_device)) that Boorda had worn on two of his uniform service ribbons since the Vietnam War and until almost a year before Hackworth's and ''Newsweek's'' intervention, were both unauthorized.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Hackworth's last assignment in a combat/conflict zone was with ''Newsweek'' during the initial deployment of US forces into [Bosnia and Herzegovina](/source/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina) as part of the [Implementation Force](/source/Implementation_Force) in February 1996. Hackworth joined 3rd Battalion, [5th Cavalry](/source/5th_Cavalry_Regiment) of the 1st Brigade, [1st Armored Division](/source/1st_Armored_Division_(United_States)) near the disputed village of Brcko. Hackworth interviewed a number of officers and enlisted soldiers, reinforcing his historical tenure as a seasoned combat veteran of previous wars and as a well-known and respected journalist.

Hackworth appeared on countless television and radio talk shows and formed his own website, [Soldiers for the Truth](/source/Soldiers_for_the_Truth_Foundation), continuing to be the self-proclaimed voice of the "grunts" (ground troops) until his death.

[King Features Syndicate](/source/King_Features_Syndicate) distributed Hackworth's weekly column "Defending America".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Col. David. H. Hackworth, Legendary U.S. Army Guerrilla Fighter, Champion of the Ordinary Soldier, Dead at 74 |url=https://kingfeatures.com/2005/05/col-david-h-hackworth-legendary-u-s-army-guerrilla-fighter-champion-of-the-ordinary-soldier-dead-at-74/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023152303/https://kingfeatures.com/2005/05/col-david-h-hackworth-legendary-u-s-army-guerrilla-fighter-champion-of-the-ordinary-soldier-dead-at-74/ |archive-date=23 October 2013 |publisher=[King Features Syndicate](/source/King_Features_Syndicate) |access-date=22 April 2024}}</ref> Many of his columns discussed the [war on terrorism](/source/war_on_terrorism) and the [Iraq War](/source/Iraq_War) and were concerned with the policies of the American leadership in conducting the wars, as well as the conditions of the soldiers serving.  Hackworth continued the column until his death from [bladder cancer](/source/bladder_cancer) in May 2005. Associates believe that his cancer was caused by exposure to [Agent Blue](/source/Agent_Blue)<ref name=agentblue>{{cite web
  | author    = Hackworth, Ellis England
  | title     = Bells for a Fallen Hero
  | publisher = [Soldiers for the Truth](/source/Soldiers_for_the_Truth) website
  | url       = http://www.sftt.org/
}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=April 2024}}<!-- I can't find it on the current site (this is the closest: https://sftt.org/david-hackworth/), nor on the archived site: https://web.archive.org/web/20050511000114/http://www.sftt.org:80/main.cfm / https://web.archive.org/web/20050617022429/http://www.sftt.org:80/main.cfm / https://web.archive.org/web/20050702030511/http://www.sftt.org:80/main.cfm . --> (a [defoliant](/source/defoliant) used in Vietnam), and are lobbying the United States government to have the substance labeled a known carcinogen like the more famous [Agent Orange](/source/Agent_Orange).

==== Works ====
; Books
Hackworth, David H.; Sherman, Julie (1989). ''About Face: Odyssey of an American Warrior.'' New York. Simon & Schuster. {{ISBN|978-0-671-52692-4}}{{Div col}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hackworth |first1=David H. |last2=Sherman |first2=Julie |date=1993 |title=Brave Men: The Blood-and-Guts Combat Chronicle of One of America's Most Decorated Soldiers |location=New York |publisher= Pocket Books|isbn=978-0671865603 |oclc=28441083}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hackworth |first1=David H. |author1-mask=2 |last2=Matthews |first2=Tom |date=1996 |title=Hazardous Duty: America's Most Decorated Living Soldier Reports from the Front and Tells It the Way It Is |location=New York |publisher=William Morrow |isbn=978-0688147181 |oclc=34658741}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hackworth |first=David H. |author-mask=2 |date=1999 |title=Price of Honor |location=New York |publisher=Doubleday |isbn=978-0385491648 |oclc=41326266}} Novel.
* {{Cite book |last1=Hackworth |first1=David H. |author1-mask=2 |author2=S. L. A. "Slam" Marshall |author2-link=S. L. A. Marshall |date=2002 |title=The Vietnam Primer: Lessons Learned |location=New York |publisher=Twin Eagles Ink |isbn=978-0974099606 |oclc=54523979}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hackworth |first1=David H. |author1-mask=2 |last2=England |first2=Eilhys |date=2002 |title=Steel My Soldiers' Hearts: The Hopeless to Hardcore Transformation of 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, United States Army, Vietnam |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-0-7432-4613-2 |oclc=1342799570}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hackworth |first1=David H. |author1-mask=2 |last2=Sherman |first2=Julie |date=2020 |title=About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bcv1DwAAQBAJ |location=New York |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=9781982144043 |oclc=1202533502}}
{{Div col end}}

; Journalism

Hackworth wrote articles for:

{{Div col|colwidth=10em}}
* ''[Maxim](/source/Maxim_(magazine))''
* ''[Men's Journal](/source/Men's_Journal)''
* ''[Modern Maturity](/source/Modern_Maturity_(magazine))''
* ''[Newsweek](/source/Newsweek)''
* ''[Parade](/source/Parade_(magazine))''
* ''[People](/source/People_(magazine))''
* ''[Playboy](/source/Playboy)''
* ''[Self](/source/Self_(magazine))''
* ''[Soldier of Fortune](/source/Soldier_of_Fortune_(magazine))''
* ''[WorldNetDaily](/source/WorldNetDaily)''
{{Div col end}}

==Death==
Hackworth died on May 4, 2005, at the age of 74 in [Tijuana](/source/Tijuana), Mexico, as he was searching for alternative treatments for his bladder cancer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carlson |first=Michael |date=May 8, 2005 |title=Obituary, David Hackworth: Unorthodox Vietnam commander immortalized in Apocalypse Now |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/may/09/guardianobituaries.usa1 |work=The Guardian |location=London, United Kingdom}}</ref> He was survived by his wife, Eilhys England, four children from his two previous marriages, and a stepdaughter. His remains were interred at [Arlington National Cemetery](/source/Arlington_National_Cemetery).

==Distinguished Service Cross citations==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top;" |
{{quote box|width=100%|align=left|1=70px|center
<div style="text-align: center;">
'''David Haskell Hackworth'''<br />
Service: Army<br />
Battalion: 1st Battalion<br />
Division: 101st Airborne Division<br />
GENERAL ORDERS:<br />
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 121 (1966)<br />
Citation:</div>
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) David Haskell Hackworth (ASN: OF-103837), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. On 7 February 1966, Major Hackworth's unit was assigned the mission of relieving elements of a friendly rifle company which had been pinned down for four hours. Upon arriving at the beleaguered unit's position, Major Hackworth moved forward, by himself, to conduct a reconnaissance of the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved across an open field through a small arms fire, crossed a bridge that was raked by intense hostile machine-gun fire, and ran across another open field through heavy fire to the embattled company's position. Major Hackworth then crawled to within twenty meters of the insurgent positions in the face of heavy machine gun fire. Upon completion of his reconnaissance mission, he returned to his command post and again, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the attacking force across the bullet swept fields to the insurgent positions. He then led a group through intense fire to a position only forty meters from the opposing force's battle positions. From this point, under fire for approximately six hours, Major Hackworth calmly and effectively maneuvered his units to close in on the entrenched and determined Viet Cong. Continuously, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he exposed himself to intense fire to personally inspire and direct the attack. As one of the attacking units began to falter, without hesitation, Major Hackworth left his position to rally the attackers and lead them into the Viet Cong positions. During the final phase of the attack, Major Hackworth again exposed himself to heavy fire in order to direct an airstrike on the Viet Cong. Major Hackworth's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.}}
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top;" |
{{quote box|width=100%|align=right|1=70px|center
<div style="text-align: center;">
'''David Haskell Hackworth'''<br />
Service: Army<br />
Battalion: 4th Battalion<br />
Division: 9th Infantry Division<br />
GENERAL ORDERS:<br />
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2422 (1969)<br />
Citation:</div>
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) David Haskell Hackworth (ASN: OF-103837), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period of 23 to 25 March 1969 as battalion commander while his unit was engaged with elements of two Viet Cong battalions. After one of his companies came under attack from a numerically superior hostile force, Colonel Hackworth landed his command and control helicopter amid heavy enemy fire to resupply the unit with ammunition and to evacuate casualties. Remaining with his forces on the ground, he led a patrol in pursuit of the withdrawing enemy and, after learning the enemy's withdrawal plan from a captured soldier, directed the insertion of other elements of his battalion into blocking positions. As the conflict developed into a large scale battle, he again took to the air and flew through intense anti-aircraft fire to adjust artillery fire and direct the movement of his men. He repeatedly landed to coordinate with his ground commanders, lead assaults against hostile positions, and evacuate casualties. When a friendly scout element sustained several casualties and became pinned down near the communist emplacements, he disembarked from his helicopter to maneuver through the hostile fusillade and assist the wounded men to his aircraft. When he had insured that the injured were being evacuated, he adjusted supporting fire on the enemy fortifications until the enemy was soundly defeated and their weapons and supplies confiscated. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.}}
|}

== Awards and Decorations ==
Hackworth earned over 90 U.S. and foreign military awards and frequently wore a [CIB](/source/Combat_Infantryman_Badge) lapel pin on his civilian [sport jackets](/source/sport_coat).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shadow box |url=https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=10339 |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=army.togetherweserved.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Colonel David Hackworth |url=http://www.frankdeangelis.com/Colonel%20David%20Hackworth.htm |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=www.frankdeangelis.com}}</ref>
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="3" align="center" |alt=A metal device depicting a blue bar with a rifle, in front of a wreath of silver leaves.|center|254x254px
|-
| colspan="3" |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=|ribbon=Distinguished Service Cross ribbon.svg|width=106px}} {{Ribbon devices|number=8|type=oak|ribbon=Silver Star ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
!{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Silver Star ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}
| align="center" |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
| align="center" |{{ribbon devices|number=7|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|other_device=v}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=7|type=oak|ribbon=Purple Heart ribbon.svg|width=106px}}
| align="center" |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Air Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -83px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">20px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -60px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">14px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -47px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">20px</span>
|-
| align="center" |{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=oak|ribbon=Army Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|other_device=v}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106px}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Army of Occupation Ribbon.png|width=106px}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=8|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean Service Medal - Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=5|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=ResMedRib.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|width=106px}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg|width=106px}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Korean War Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106px}}
|-
| colspan="3" |106x106px
|}
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="3" |{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=oak|ribbon=United States Army and U.S. Air Force Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Valorous Unit Award ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Korean Presidential Unit Citation.png|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-leaf|ribbon=Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation US Army sized.png|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-leaf|ribbon=Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.png|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-leaf|ribbon=Civil Action Unit Citation.png|width=106}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
!Badge
| colspan="4" |[Combat Infantryman Badge](/source/Combat_Infantryman_Badge)
{{small|with star denoting 2nd award}}
|-
!1st row
| colspan="2" |[Distinguished Service Cross](/source/Distinguished_Service_Cross_(United_States))
{{small|with 1 [Oak leaf cluster](/source/Oak_leaf_cluster)}}
| colspan="2" |[Silver Star](/source/Silver_Star)
{{small|with 8 Oak leaf clusters}}
|-
!2nd row
|Silver Star
{{small|Extra Ribbon Required}}
| colspan="2" |[Legion of Merit](/source/Legion_of_Merit)
{{small|with 3 Oak leaf clusters}}
|[Distinguished Flying Cross](/source/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_States))
|-
!3rd row
|[Bronze Star Medal](/source/Bronze_Star_Medal)
{{small|with ["V" Device](/source/%22V%22_Device) and 7 Oak leaf clusters}}
| colspan="2" |[Purple Heart](/source/Purple_Heart)
{{small|with 7 Oak leaf clusters}}
|[Air Medal](/source/Air_Medal)
{{small|with "V" Device and [Award numeral](/source/Award_numeral) 34}}
|-
!4th row
|[Army Commendation Medal](/source/Commendation_Medal)
{{small|with "V" Device and 3 Oak leaf clusters}}
| colspan="2" |[Army Good Conduct Medal](/source/Army_Good_Conduct_Medal)
|[World War II Victory Medal](/source/World_War_II_Victory_Medal)
|-
!5th row
|[Army of Occupation Medal](/source/Army_of_Occupation_Medal)
{{small|with 'Germany' and 'Japan' clasps}}
| colspan="2" |[National Defense Service Medal](/source/National_Defense_Service_Medal)
{{small|with 1 Oak leaf cluster}}
|[Korean Service Medal](/source/Korean_Service_Medal)
{{small|with 8 [Campaign star](/source/Campaign_star)s}}
|-
!6th row
|[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal](/source/Armed_Forces_Expeditionary_Medal)
| colspan="2" |[Vietnam Service Medal](/source/Vietnam_Service_Medal)
{{small|with 10 Campaign stars}}
|[Armed Forces Reserve Medal](/source/Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal)
|-
!7th row
|[United Nations Service Medal Korea](/source/United_Nations_Service_Medal_Korea)
| colspan="2" |[Vietnam Campaign Medal](/source/Vietnam_Campaign_Medal)
|[Korean War Service Medal](/source/Korean_War_Service_Medal)
{{small|Retroactively Awarded, 2003}}
|-
!Badge
| colspan="4" |[Master Parachutist Badge](/source/Master_Parachutist_Badge)
|-
! rowspan="3" |Unit Awards
| colspan="4" |[Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States))
|-
|[Valorous Unit Award](/source/Valorous_Unit_Award)
{{small|with 1 Oak leaf cluster}}
| colspan="2" |[Meritorious Unit Commendation](/source/Meritorious_Unit_Commendation)
|[Korean Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Korean_Presidential_Unit_Citation)
|-
|[RVN Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Vietnam_Presidential_Unit_Citation)
| colspan="2" |[RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation](/source/Gallantry_Cross_(South_Vietnam))
{{small|with Palm (3)}}
|[RVN Civil Actions Unit Citation](/source/Civil_Actions_Medal)
{{small|1st Class}}
|}

=== Merchant Marine Awards ===
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Pacific_War_Zone_ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Merchant_Marine_Victory_ribbon.png|width=106px}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|[Pacific War Zone Medal](/source/Merchant_Marine_Pacific_War_Zone_Medal)
|[World War II Victory Medal](/source/Merchant_Marine_World_War_II_Victory_Medal)
|}

=== Foreign Awards (RVN) ===
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=VPD_National_Order_of_Vietnam_-_Officer_BAR.svg|width=106px}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=2|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnamese Gallantry Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=10|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnamese Gallantry Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal ribbon-First Class.svg|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Vietnam Staff Service Medal ribbon-First Class.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Vietnam_Army_Distinguished_Service_Order_Ribbon-Second_Class.svg|width=106px}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|[National Order of Vietnam](/source/National_Order_of_Vietnam)
{{small|Officer}}
|[RVN Gallantry Cross](/source/Gallantry_Cross_(South_Vietnam))
{{small|with 2 Gold Stars}}
|RVN Gallantry Cross
{{small|with 2 Silver Stars}}
|-
|[Armed Forces Honor Medal](/source/Armed_Forces_Honor_Medal)
{{small|1st Class}}
|[Staff Service Medal](/source/Vietnam_Staff_Service_Medal)
{{small|1st Class}}
|[Army Distinguished Service Order](/source/Distinguished_Service_Order_(Vietnam))
{{small|2nd Class}}
|}

== Admiral Boorda accusations and Media apologies over Hackworth reporting==
In 1996, Hackworth accused [Chief of Naval Operations](/source/Chief_of_Naval_Operations) Admiral [Michael Boorda](/source/Michael_Boorda) of wearing two unauthorized [service ribbon](/source/service_ribbon)s on his uniform denoting valor in combat. Boorda committed suicide during Hackworth's investigation. In 1997, Hackworth was mistakenly accused of wearing unauthorised decorations: an extra [Distinguished Flying Cross](/source/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_States)) and a [Ranger Tab](/source/Tabs_of_the_United_States_Army).<ref name="CNN">{{Cite web|first=Jamie|last=McIntyre|title=Hackworth says error doesn't compare to Boorda suicide case|url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9705/16/hackworth/|publisher=[CNN](/source/CNN)|date=May 16, 1997|access-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref> An audit later proved it was a US Army administrative error and not the fault of Hackworth.

In response to Hackworth's investigation of Admiral Boorda, [CNN](/source/CNN) and the ''[CBS Evening News](/source/CBS_Evening_News) with [Dan Rather](/source/Dan_Rather)'' questioned the accuracy of Hackworth's own military decorations.<ref name=CNN_McIntyre_1997>{{cite news   | access-date = May 27, 2008  | url = http://www.cnn.com/US/9705/16/hackworth/  | first = Jamie  | last = McIntyre  | title = Hackworth says error doesn't compare to Boorda suicide case | publisher = CNN | date = May 16, 1997}}</ref><ref name=NYT_Shenon_19970516>{{cite news  | access-date = May 27, 2008  | url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04EFDE1238F935A25756C0A961958260
  | title = Accuser on Admiral's Medals Faces Scrutiny About His Own  | first = Philip  | last = Shenon  | work = [The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)  | date = May 16, 1997}}</ref> In particular, the reports accused Hackworth of claiming a [Ranger Tab](/source/Ranger_Tab) to which he was not entitled and an extra [Distinguished Flying Cross](/source/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_States)) listed on his website. Hackworth threatened to sue CBS and requested a formal audit of his military records. In response to the findings made from the military audit, the executive producer of [CBS News](/source/CBS_News) sent a letter to Hackworth that stated:<ref>{{cite web  | access-date = May 27, 2008  | url = http://www.hackworth.com/CBS_1.html  | title = Hack's Medal Flap with CBS  | publisher = Hackworth.com  | archive-date = May 10, 2008  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510104805/http://www.hackworth.com/CBS_1.html  }}</ref>

{{Blockquote|The Army's audit of its records has determined that the Army made an administrative error back in 1988 when it reissued your medals and awards. Along with numerous other decorations, the Army mistakenly issued you a Ranger Tab and two Oak Leaf Clusters for your Distinguished Flying Cross. The Army has thus verified what we reported as your explanation of the matter.

As far as we are concerned, the Army audit makes clear that you did not at any time wear or claim any military honor not actually issued by the U.S. Army, based on its official records, including the service record you signed and dated. At the same time, CBS continues to believe that our reports did not state or imply that you knowingly wore or claimed decorations not issued by the U.S. Army and that any such inference drawn from the reports would be mistaken.

Similarly, we do not believe our reports in any way equated your conduct with that of the late Admiral Boorda's. Indeed, as we believe we made clear in our reports, by all accounts you are a man who has shown extraordinary heroism in your service to our country, and has deservedly been awarded many of the nation's most coveted awards for valor.}}

In 2002, Hackworth was asked about the controversy in an interview with ''Proceedings''. In the interview, he stated:<ref name=Proceedings_200212>{{cite interview
  | access-date = May 27, 2008
  | url         = http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,NI_Hackworth_1202,00.html
  | title       = Look Truth Right in the Eye
  | first       = Col David H.
  | last        = Hackworth
  | interviewer = Fred L. Schultz and Gordon Keiser
  | work        = Proceedings
  | date        = December 2002
  | publisher   = Military.com
}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|I had served in the 8th Ranger Company; later I served in the 27th Raiders of the 25th Infantry Division. On the Raiders' tenth mission, the regimental commander awarded every trooper the Ranger Tab. When all this fell out after the Boorda story, I immediately had my records audited. And they reflected that I was awarded the Ranger Tab. It was on my official records; it's not something I claimed falsely.

Let me tell you how the regulation reads now. To rate a Ranger Tab, you had to have been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) while a member of the 8th Ranger Company. But I got my CIB with Company G, 27th Infantry Regiment. Thus, the 1951 award of the tab did not meet the 1980s criteria. I take all the blame.

All the guys in the 27th Raiders got the Ranger Tab, but they were not Rangers. When the Boorda story exploded, people were looking for chinks in my armor. So I'm a defrocked Ranger. As it turned out, though, in the Army's vetting of my record, they found I had ten Silver Stars, not nine.}}

== In popular culture ==
[Robert Duvall](/source/Robert_Duvall) partially based his performance of [Lieutenant Colonel](/source/Lieutenant_colonel_(United_States)) William "Bill" Kilgore from the film [Apocalypse Now](/source/Apocalypse_Now) on David Hackworth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=One of the Most Decorated Veterans of All Time: The Col. David Hackworth Story |url=https://www.ouramericanstories.com/podcast/military/one-of-the-most-decorated-veterans-of-all-time-the-col-david-hackworth-story |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=www.ouramericanstories.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> 

==References==
{{Reflist}}
;Sources
* {{cite news
  | access-date = February 1, 2009
  | url         = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41501-2005May6.html
  | newspaper   = [The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)
  | title       = David Hackworth Dies; Esteemed Army Colonel Defied Military Brass
  | first       = Joe
  | last        = Holley
  | date        = May 6, 2005
  | page        = B07
}}
* {{cite news
  | url   = http://www.seattlepi.com/opinion/223802_hackworth12.html
  | title = David Hackworth: Unforgettable Soldier
  | first = W. Thomas Jr.
  | last  = Smith
  | work  = [Seattle Post-Intelligencer](/source/Seattle_Post-Intelligencer)
  | date  = May 12, 2005
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.sftt.org/ Stand for the Troops]
* {{C-SPAN|19484}}
* [https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a528395.pdf Review of 'About Face' in US Army War College ''Parameters'' magazine, December, 1989]
* [http://www.slate.com/articles/briefing/articles/1996/11/newsweeks_major_embarrassment.html Slate article, Newsweek's Major Embarrassment: He's called Col. Hackworth, November, 1996]
* [http://www.virtual.vietnam.ttu.edu/cgi-bin/starfetch.exe?LoQ5eIW8i7A3D2I69SMiXIZ0u8uMyzHzPj6Dts@jnZ0UPuLG3ruTfxls6yqrtN8w8q65kjii5egYP7V@5cUDnV7l9HCnkutrGl7pK.ttcnI/6230218033.pdf Inspector General Military Assistance Command Vietnam – Report of Investigation of Colonel David Hackworth, 16 January 1971] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052635/http://www.virtual.vietnam.ttu.edu/cgi-bin/starfetch.exe?LoQ5eIW8i7A3D2I69SMiXIZ0u8uMyzHzPj6Dts@jnZ0UPuLG3ruTfxls6yqrtN8w8q65kjii5egYP7V@5cUDnV7l9HCnkutrGl7pK.ttcnI/6230218033.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}
{{Portal bar|Biography|History|United States}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hackworth, David}}
Category:1930 births
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Category:American military historians
Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
Category:Recipients of the Silver Star
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Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
Category:Recipients of the Air Medal
Category:American recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)
Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Order (Vietnam)
Category:United States Army colonels
Category:Los Angeles Harbor College alumni
Category:Austin Peay State University alumni
Category:United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [David Hackworth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hackworth) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hackworth?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.