Hedrick joined the Army from Riverton, West Virginia in September 1940,[1] and by March 27, 1945, was serving as a technical sergeant in Company I, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division.

Technical Sergeant Hedrick's official Medal of Honor citation reads: He displayed extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action on 27 – March 28, 1945, in Germany.

When a German soldier, with hands upraised, declared the garrison wished to surrender, he entered the castle yard with 4 of his men to accept the capitulation.

His great personal courage and heroic leadership contributed in large measure to the speedy capture of Lembeck and provided an inspiring example to his comrades.

[2] A monumental tablet is placed on the Lembeck Castle entrance gate in 2022 initiated by Dutch researcher and Battlefield tourguide Jos Bex with financial support of the US 17th Airborne Association.