This won't be a long blog. But I still wanted to take the time to remember a Kentucky hero, Edward Thomas Earhart.
A native of Morehead, KY, Edward was born May 14, 1975 a son of the late Thomas Edward Earhart and Charlotte June Thomas Earhart, both of whom passed away in 2014.
Edward Thomas Earhart was the only military casualty from Kentucky to die in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Petty Officer First Class Earhart was an aerographer’s mate in the U.S. Navy. He served on ships around the globe, helping vessels navigate around sea ice, before being stationed at the Pentagon. In his work, he forecasted weather for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informing them of conditions for naval exercises which affect ships and air traffic involving aircraft carriers.
On September 11, 2001, Ed was scheduled to be on vacation but reported to work at the Pentagon to help a colleague. He was killed when a portion of the Pentagon was hit by one of the hijacked commercial jetliners used in the terrorist attack. Ed was 26 years old.
After his funeral, Ed’s coworkers signed a white U.S. Navy hat, commonly called a “Dixie cup,” and presented it to his family as a symbol of love and support. The hat is now on display at the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Edward Thomas Earhart is buried in the Hamilton Cemetery in the Christy community of Rowan County, Kentucky. He is memorialized at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
Even though we were from the same town, I didn't know Edward. I knew some of his family though. And I'm forever grateful for his service and sacrifice to our nation.
(Bio courtesy of Sam Terry)
