David Columbus Hardee was born on April 4, 1889, near Benson, North Carolina. Hardee was a machinist for T. G. Matthews when he registered for the draft (World War I) in June 1917. He was inducted into the service in April 1918 and served in the 313th Field Artillery and the 149th Field Artillery. Hardee saw overseas service with these units from May 1918 to April 1919. He was honorably discharged on May 13, 1919. Hardee died in Johnston County, North Carolina, on July 9, 1955.