John D. Hawk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Druse Hawk
|
|
|---|---|
John D. Hawk, Medal of Honor recipient
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Bud" |
| Born | May 30, 1924 San Francisco, California |
| Died | November 4, 2013 (aged 89) Bremerton, Washington |
| Place of burial |
Miller-Woodland Memorial Park, Bremerton, Washington
|
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943 - 1945 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II • Falaise pocket |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart (4) |
John Druse "Bud" Hawk (born May 30, 1924 – died November 4, 2013) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States. He earned this award for his amazing actions during World War II, especially during a big battle called the Falaise pocket.
Contents
A Hero's Journey: John "Bud" Hawk's Life
_Bangor,_gives_Bud_Hawk,_WWII_Medal_of_Honor_recipient,_a_MCSFCo_Bangor_command_coin_at_Naval_Base_Kitsap_Bangor.jpg)
John "Bud" Hawk was born in San Francisco, California. He grew up in the Rolling Bay area of Bainbridge Island, Washington. After finishing Bainbridge High School in 1943, he joined the Army. This was just two weeks after his graduation.
Fighting in World War II
By August 20, 1944, Hawk was serving as a sergeant in Europe. His unit was Company E, 359th Infantry Regiment, part of the 90th Infantry Division. On that day, near Chambois, France, his unit faced a strong attack from German forces.
During the battle, Sergeant Hawk was hiding behind a tree. A German shell hit the tree and wounded him in his right thigh. Even though he was hurt, he kept fighting bravely. He even put himself in danger to help his team. He stood where enemy fire was heavy to guide friendly tank destroyers so they could shoot better.
For his incredible courage, he was given the Medal of Honor on July 13, 1945. President Harry Truman himself presented him with this very special award.
After the Medal of Honor
Sergeant Hawk got better from his injuries. He continued to fight in the war. He was wounded three more times before the war ended. This meant he received a total of four Purple Heart medals. The Purple Heart is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed in battle.
When the war ended in 1945, Hawk returned home. He went to the University of Washington. He studied biology and earned his degree. For over 30 years, he worked as a teacher and a principal. He taught many students in the Central Kitsap School District.
On April 5, 2008, Hawk received the Medal of Honor flag. This ceremony took place in Olympia, Washington. Brigadier General Gordon Toney presented him with the flag. Hawk often spoke humbly about his award.
What I did was not such a big thing. I never did anything more than the people I served with. The [Medal of Honor] is a symbol and it stands for service, everybody's service. I did it for the people who were there and they were doing the same thing for me.
Sergeant Hawk passed away on November 4, 2013, at 89 years old. To honor him, Jackson Park Elementary in Bremerton was renamed John D. "Bud" Hawk Elementary.
University of Washington Medal of Honor Memorial
At the University of Washington, there is a special memorial. It honors students who received the Medal of Honor. In 2006, there was a discussion about creating a memorial for a specific war hero. Some students debated who should be honored and how.
After much discussion, a new idea came forward. It was decided to create a memorial for all eight University of Washington alumni. These were students who had attended the university and later received the Medal of Honor.
The idea was approved on April 4, 2006. The memorial was built at the south end of Memorial Way. It is located near Red Square on campus (47°39′26″N 122°18′35″W / 47.6573°N 122.3097°W). Private donations paid for the memorial. It was finished in November 2009, just in time for Veterans Day.
This memorial honors John Hawk and seven other brave individuals: Greg Boyington, Deming Bronson, Bruce Crandall, Robert Galer, Robert Leisy, William Nakamura, and Archie Van Winkle.
The memorial includes a powerful message:
Ordinary individuals
facing extraordinary circumstances
with courage and selflessness
answer the call
and change the course of destiny.
Medal of Honor
See also
