Daniel M. Hart was born in Cushing, Oklahoma on
May 23, 1937, the second child of Ulys and Wanda Hart. Son of the Cushing Chief of
Police, Danny grew up in Cushing
and graduated from Cushing High School in 1955.
Danny joined the National Guard while in
high school and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army on
7/22/1955. He studied languages as a part of his military training
and served in Germany during the Berlin Crisis as an interpreter
on the German/Russian border.
When he returned to the U.S. he
received training in the Guided Missile Program and was stationed
at White Sands Missile Range where he was on the first military
crew to work on the Red Stone missile. During the 60s he was
trained as a helicopter pilot and served three tours of duty in
Viet Nam. He served his country with distinction and was highly
decorated receiving many awards and medals. Among those are the
Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster),
Air Medal (2D thru 8th), Army Aviator Badge, Senior Army Aviator
Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of
Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze
Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, and
4 Overseas Service Stars. One of his commendations was for special
bravery displayed when Danny stayed behind with his helicopter,
taking heavy fire, to rescue fallen comrades. He repeatedly
exposed himself to enemy fire carrying wounded soldiers back to
his helicopter all the while ignoring his own severely fractured
ankle. He managed to get his damaged helicopter and the wounded
back behind American lines on this and many other occasions and
saved many lives during his career. He later served as a
helicopter instructor pilot and maintenance test pilot. He retired
from the Army in 1975 as a CW03 after 22 years of active duty.
Danny returned to Cushing and worked as an
EMT-AMD/Fire Fighter in Cushing and later as a Medical Equipment
Clinical Instructor in the private sector. He graduated from
Nursing School in 1992 and worked at the Cushing Hospital from
1993 to 1997, when he retired completely. Danny was active
in both the local VFW and American Legion, volunteering many hours
in assisting veterans to secure medical and VA benefits. He was
also a member of the Veteran Helicopter Pilots Association.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Cushing Class of 1955
Foundation and the fantastic meals he prepared for the class
reunions were enjoyed by all. Danny was also known to be an
“anonymous philanthropist” seeking out individuals needing
assistance and freely giving to them without expectation of thanks
or praise. Danny had an unquenchable curiosity and thirst for
knowledge.
As his many friends will verify, you could set down
with Danny over a cup of coffee and discuss any topic. He could
always tell you something you didn’t know. He was an avid reader
with many interests ranging from military history, guns,
philosophy, home improvement, carpentry, solar energy, the study
of religions and cuisine. He was a talented and creative chef; he
enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends and teaching others
his culinary secrets. Danny delighted in introducing people to
unfamiliar foods. He was a gifted photographer and art
affectionado; he studied art and enjoyed visiting museums and was
proud to be acquainted with numerous accomplished artists,
including several of his children and grandchildren.
A true warrior, Danny fought his last battle with cancer bravely and with
the same dignity and intensity that he displayed in the previous
battles in his life. He has now been deployed to heaven to serve
the Commander in Chief who wears the miter of eternity. He was
surrounded and supported by his family and close friends and now
knows the answers to all his questions. He was loved by many
and will be sorely missed.
Danny is survived by his wife, Cindy Hart
of the home, his former wife and mother of his children, Pat Hart
of Cushing, OK; five children, daughter Margie Morris of Mustang,
OK, daughter Marilyn Vassar of Stillwater, OK, daughter Jean
Idalski and her husband Duane of Cushing, OK, daughter Dana
Wright-Penrod and her husband Steve of McAlister, OK and his son,
Daniel Hart II and his wife Salina of Stillwater, OK, one brother
Robert Hart of Crossville, TN and one sister Nancy Greenwood of
Knoxville, TN, 22 Grandchildren and 17 Great- Grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his father and
mother, Ulys and Wanda Hart.
Services were held at the First Baptist
Church in Cushing, Oklahoma on Monday, December 31st at 2:30 p.m.
Viewing was at the Davis Funeral Home in Cushing on Saturday
from 1-8 pm. The family received visitors on Sunday from 2-5 pm.
Interment will be at Arlington National
Cemetery in Virginia on February 6th, 2008 with Full Military
Honors.
In lieu of flowers,
please send donations to the VFW Post 1118 Memorial Fund, P.O. Box
11, Cushing, OK, in his memory.
CUSHING
HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI INFORMATION
e-mail
us to share some your wonderful memories about Danny's life.
