Andy Cross, The Denver PostWWII Veteran William Hardin, Navy 75th Seabees, center, at attention during the National Anthem during a ceremony where he received an honorary degree from Western State Colorado University at the American Legion Post 1 October 28, 2016. Hardin who turned 96-years-old Friday, was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostWWII Veteran William Hardin's memorabilia on display at the American Legion Post 1 October 28, 2016. Hardin, a Navy Seabees Veteran, was given an honorary degree during a ceremony from the Western State Colorado University. Hardin was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.- Andy Cross, The Denver PostWWII Veteran William Hardin, left, Navy 75th Seabees, gets an escort to the dining hall past a portrait of General George Patton at the American Legion Post 1 by family friend and Navy Veteran Stuart Emery after receiving an honorary college degree from Western State Colorado University October 28, 2016. Hardin who turned 96-years-old Friday, was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostDr. Greg Salsbury, left, Western State Colorado University, congratulates WWII Veteran William Hardin, right, Navy 75th Seabees, after Hardin received an honorary degree on his birthday at the American Legion Post 1 October 28, 2016.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostWWII Veteran William Hardin, Navy 75th Seabees, listens to remarks from Western State Colorado University representative Dr. Greg Salsbury, left, before receiving an honorary degree from Western State on his 96th birthday at the American Legion Post 1 October 28, 2016. Hardin was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostKaren Davis holds her father's hand WWII Veteran William Hardin, Navy 75th Seabees, after Hardin received an honorary degree from Western State Colorado University on his birthday at the American Legion Post 1 October 28, 2016. Hardin who turned 96-years-old Friday, was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
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WWII Veteran William Hardin, Navy 75th Seabees, center, at attention during the National Anthem during a ceremony where he received an honorary degree from Western State Colorado University at the American Legion Post 1 October 28, 2016. Hardin who turned 96-years-old Friday, was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
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By Andy Cross | across@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
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World War II veteran William Hardin, Navy 75th Seabees, received an honorary degree from Western State University on his 96th birthday at the American Legion Post 1, Oct. 28, 2016 in Denver. Hardin was unable to complete his college degree in 1942 because he joined the Navy. Hardin and the Seabees were dispatched to the South Pacific and engaged in operations in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Banika, New Guinea, and the Philippines.