Joshua Mitchell Hardt is the son of Michael and Shelley Bell Hardt.

Joshua graduated from Placer High School in Auburn, CA, in 2004. His success on the football team was so great that the school retired his helmet.

Shortly after graduation, Joshua followed in his brother Jonathon's footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Joshua deployed to Iraq from May 2007 through June 2008, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 22 May 2009.

On 3 October 2009, he was serving as a Sergeant with Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. On that day, SGT Hardt's actions in the defense of Combat Outpost Keating helped prevent it from falling into the hands of an attacking Taliban force of more than 400 fighters. He died of wounds sustained during the battle.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal (2 Awards)
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Combat Action Badge

Family

Joshua was married to Olivia.