Fred Harding was born March 6, 1920 in Weld County, Colorado to Henry and Emelia (Roth) Harding. The family farmed near Windsor, Colorado. Harding married Helen Jacoby.
In November 1942, Harding was inducted into the United States Army from Weld County, Colorado. Service Number 37338875. He completed his training at Camp Phillips, Kansas. SSGT Harding served with the 376th Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division.
In September 1944, the 94th Infantry Division landed in France at Utah Beach. On January 20, 1945, the 94th attacked Orscholz, Germany. Most of two companies were lost in the fight.
SSGT Harding was KIA on January 28, 1945. He was interred in Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial.
SSGT Harding was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
His brothers LeRoy Harding and Albert Harding also served during WWII.