Many Penn State athletes have proudly served in various branches of the military, but one name that stands out is James C. Harding. A decorated colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Harding’s story extends far beyond his military achievements, weaving a journey of leadership and service that has left a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Harding, a Pennsylvania native, was born in 1934. After graduating high school, Harding enrolled at Penn State on a football scholarship. He was an offensive lineman for four years while studying animal husbandry with a minor in English. He flew for the first time the summer before his senior year at Penn State in 1956. Immediately, he was hooked on flying due to being a part of the Air Force ROTC program.

Harding was offered a position on the Los Angeles Rams but declined to pursue a different passion. Upon graduating on June 9, 1956, he was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program, completing it with distinction.

Harding was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force. His career spanned more than two decades and included two tours in Vietnam, where he served as a fighter pilot and forward air controller. In 1972, Harding led a rescue mission for U.S. Marine Corps A-6 Intruder crew members Maj. Clyde D. Smith, the pilot, and 1st Lt. Scott D. Ketchie, the bombardier/navigator, who had been shot down over North Vietnam. Ketchie could not be rescued and was later declared missing in action.

Harding’s courageous leadership in this mission earned him the Air Force Cross. The Air Force Cross is the second-highest military award that can be granted to members of the United States Air Force and is awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat, typically when someone performs acts of extreme bravery while facing enemy forces.

Harding was promoted six times throughout his military career, eventually reaching the rank of colonel. The Air Force Cross was not the only award that Harding received. He also won three Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, nine Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts, the Meritorious Service Medal, and 40 Air Medals.

After retiring from the Air Force, James held the position of commander for several Air Force Junior ROTC detachments across locations including Florida, Hawaii, Germany, Texas, and Italy.

Harding returned to his roots and served as an honorary captain during the Nittany Lions’ football game against Rutgers on November 14, 2017.