Villa Rica Man Killed in Iraq Wreck

Just three years after joining the U.S. Army, a 21-year-old man from Villa Rica, Ga. was killed during his second tour of duty in Iraq.

Sgt. Michael C. Hardegree died along with six other soldiers when the truck he was riding in rolled over near Baghdad on Monday, the Department of Defense reported. His unit is planning to hold a memorial service in Iraq.

"Mikey was a joker, always messing with someone," recalled Spc. Joshua McCart. "After I was injured in Iraq it was him that kept in touch more than any one else. His compassion for the children in Iraq was always astounding."

Hardegree joined the Army June 2004. He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training in October of that year and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga. He was eventually assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as an Infantryman.

Hardegree was previously deploymented as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2006 to December 2006.

During his service, Hardegree received the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Parachutist's Badge.

Hardegree is survived by his parents Stan and Cynthia Hardagree, of Villa Rica.