MSG Henry C. Hubbard Jr

MSG Hubbard Jr hails from Mt. Vernon, Illinois and began his military career as an EOD Technician with a tour in Vietnam. Then Specialist Fourth Class Hubbard was awarded the Silver Star for actions near Camp Dak Pek, Republic of Vietnam on April 14, 1970 while assigned as an acting EOD Sergeant with the 85th Ordnance Detachment in support of the 5th Special Forces Group.

The Silver Star Citation described Specialist Hubbard's heroism as, “he engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force and distinguished himself while commanding a squad of Vietnamese soldiers during an assault of a strategic hill at Camp Dak Pek. He led men through a hail of enemy fire as they maneuvered toward the enemy positions. Their advance was hampered but he maneuvered his men inside the enemy's defensive perimeter and engaged the hostile force in close range fighting. Pressing the attack, Specialist Hubbard moved ahead of his men and destroyed several enemy bunkers by throwing hand grenades through their entrances and firing ports. His determined actions were instrumental in driving the enemy from their positions and enabling the allied forces to secure the hill.”

Following his service in Vietnam, MSG Hubbard found himself serving with the 77th OD Det (EOD), Flagstaff, AZ, the 66th OD Det (EOD), Key Biscayne, FL, and the 176th OD Det (EOD), Fort Richardson, AK. But it was with the 543d OD Det (EOD) at Fort Leonard Wood, MI and the 542d OD Det (EOD) at Fort Dix, NJ that he made a significant impact on the EOD field. During each of these assignments he was responsible for developing and executing Army Readiness Training Evaluation Programs for eight EOD detachments in which his extensive EOD expertise aided in every detachment passing their evaluations.

Also notable was a yearlong overseas assignment with the Logistical Support Unit (LSU), Multi-National Forces Peace Keeping Force in the Sinai, MSG Hubbard was assigned as the Detachment NCO responsible for training service members from 11 different nations involved in the Peace Keeping mission in minefield avoidance and breaching techniques, and Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance. He trained close to 1,000 soldiers and maintained no injuries often caused by military ordnance mishaps.

MSG Hubbard’s awards include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.

MSG Hubbard retired in March 1989 following his assignment at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA. He passed away on January 2, 2020, leaving a legacy of bravery and mentorship within the EOD community.