Sgt. David D. Hack is a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, former U.S. Army Ranger instructor, and the longtime CEO of U.S. Wings, a major supplier of military and aviation apparel.

 

Humble Beginnings

SFC David D Hack was raised in rural Sunfish, Kentucky. Later, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky. David Hack joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1957 at the age of 17 and served four years. In 1964, he enlisted in the Army, volunteering for Ranger Training. He processed through the recruiter in Phoenix, AZ and then Fort Ord, CA, to the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, GA, fully believing he was on track for Ranger School training. Based on his prior service in the Coast Guard, he was immediately assigned to serve as a Harbor Craft Boatswain at the Ranger Department’s camp at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. He was a Ranger Instructor, now known as a Ranger Trainer. Taught small boats at the U.S. Army Ranger School: 6th Ranger Training Battalion.

Military

• U.S. Coast Guard (1957–1961): Hack enlisted at age 17 and served four years.
• U.S. Army (1964–1973):
  • Volunteered for Ranger Training and became a Ranger Instructor (now called Ranger Trainer) at the U.S. Army Ranger School, 6th Ranger Training Battalion.
  • NOTE: SFC David D Hack did not go through Army Boot Camp based on his experience in the USCG.
  • Served with the 1st Ranger Company (1964–1966).
  • Later deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One), where he was wounded twice, sustaining shrapnel injuries to his leg, arm, face, back, and side.
  • Spent a year recovering at Fort Knox and three years on medical hold.
  • Awarded the Purple Heart, formally presented in 2011.

 

America’s #1 Army Recruiter

After his combat injuries, the Army assigned Hack to recruiting duty in Ohio. He became nationally famous for his creative recruiting style, using:

• A custom “Sgt. 
• Hack Wants You” T‑shirt
• A custom-painted Army Corvette
• A distinctive recruiting Jeep, now displayed at Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Air
  borne Division

He was officially recognized as the top Army recruiter in the United States from 1969–1973.

 

Post‑Military Career

After retiring from the Army as SFC (E‑7), Hack served in Ohio law enforcement, including:

• Hudson Township Police Department
• Summit County Sheriff’s Department
• Chief of Police in Sebring, Ohio

In 1986, he co‑founded U.S. Wings, headquartered in Hudson/Boston Heights, Ohio. The company is now a major supplier of bomber jackets and aviation gear to the U.S. military and global customers.

He also leads Moku Man Island Wear, a division specializing in aloha shirts.

 

Public Recognition

Sgt. Hack has received numerous honors, including:

• Purple Heart, SFC. David D. Hack
• Ronald Reagan Gold Medal (2004)
• Freedom Team Salute Certificate (2006)
• Recognition by General John F. Campbell, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, for his contributions to the service

 

Legacy

Sgt. Hack is widely regarded as:

• A Vietnam War hero
• A pioneering Army recruiter
• A successful veteran entrepreneur
• A prominent figure in military history circles, especially in Ohio

His official archive and biography are available at SgtHack.com, which documents his service records, photos, and military documents.

If you’d like, I can also summarize his book The Life of a Warrior, outline his military awards, or provide a timeline of his service.

 

For more information, please go to:   www.sgthack.com