"Your continued enthusiasm and diligence in completing all tasks during secure times, and especially during difficult times, provided for our success."  "If  Ed didn't have knowledge about a task he was given or chose to do, he would find a book or a person or persons to develop the best way to accomplish it."

These are quotes from commanding officers, associates, and family members about Edward Ernest Hildreth, Jr.

If Ed was missing the requisite knowledge to complete a task, he aggressively sought the resources and answers to accomplish the mission. Throughout his life, he excelled in high school, West Point, serving his country in times of war and peace, and his devotion to his wife and family.

Born in Washington, DC, Ed grew up as the son of a career Army officer. His father, Edward E. Hildreth Sr., retired as a colonel in 1946 in Syracuse, NY, with his wife Myrl. Ed's parents instilled the values of family and community service-attributes that would provide the foundation for his appointment to West Point in 1954. As a cadet, Ed's time was spent studying, playing ‘intra-murder’ sports, and exhibiting the perseverance and character that helped foster his success in the Army and beyond in business.

Ed married Julia Krieger in Louisville, KY, in 1961 at Saint Paul's Methodist Church. He was an active father and, together with Julia, forged strong family values in their three children Ted, Debbie, and Jenni. Together, Ed and Julia provided growth experiences by traveling, mentoring youth, and continually stressing education and the arts. Ed was an avid, dependable volunteer. He coached his children's’ sport teams, was a Boy Scout leader for many years, and participated in numerous community projects. His friends and family often commented that there was no challenge Ed would not take on. He coached his children and friends in soccer, despite never having played the game. A library book or computer provided him with the necessary resources to research his next challenge.

Ed's military career was distinguished by the most challenging and demanding courses the Army offered Airborne School, Canadian Jump School, a master's degree in mathematics from RPI in New York, CGSC, and the Army War College.

The Army years, 1957-84, were extraordinary years of fortune and accomplishment. Significant duty assignments included Field Artillery battery commander in the 34th Infantry Division in Germany, Operation's Officer in the 82d Airborne at Ft. Bragg, two combat tours in Viet Nam, USMA mathematics instructor, two distinguished tours in the Pentagon, the Transportation Support Command at Ft. Lee, and the Army Missile Command (MICOM). The common thread at each level of military service was his unique gift of leadership. Those close to Ed knew his formula for success-his love for education.

After 37 years of service, Ed retired from Active Duty in 1984 and pursued a second career as an executive Systems Analyst at SAIC in Huntsville, AL. His 12 years of project management work took him all over the world serving in a decision-making capacity for major companies in the ballistic missile defense industry. The word "retirement," however, was a misnomer to Ed. He earned an unparalleled reputation in the defense contracting industry as a meticulous and uncompromising leader.

In 1995, Ed's battle against cancer began, and he fought the disease with the same tenacity as every other challenge. He inspired everyone with his strength and spirit. Despite his illness, he continued to do the things he loved-spending time with his family, participating as an active member of Trinity Methodist Church, and serving as the Huntsville District USMA recruiter.

Edward E. Hildreth, Jr.'s, sincere devotion to "Duty, Honor, Country" is the true testament to his life of service, and his legacy.