Nathan Hardy (Earth-6531)

"A good death is its own reward."

- - Colonel Nathan Hardy to Faora-Ul

Colonel Nathan Hardy was a high-ranking officer of the United States Air Force of the United States Northern Command. Hardy, alongside Doctor Emil Hamilton, were ordered to defend the city of Smallville against a Kryptonian invasion led by General Dru-Zod. During the Battle of Metropolis, Hardy sacrificed his own life, as well as Hamilton's, to kill the members of the Sword of Rao by transporting all of them to the Phantom Zone.

Investigation
Nathan Hardy was tasked alongside Doctor Emil Hamilton and Alessandro Sekowsky to investigate Ellesmere Island in search of a mysterious signal, where they were met by Lois Lane. The four witnessed the object from the signal rising from the snow.

Alliance with Superman
After General Zod's broadcast to Earth where he demanded the delivery of another Kryptonian, Nathan went after Lane to discover about the "Superman" she had interviewed before. After the United States Armed Forces aprehended Superman when he gave himself up to custody willingly, Hardy, alongside Hamilton and General Calvin Swanwick interrogated the alien, who told them he came to help them defeat Zod.

After they devised a plan, Superman handed himself to Faora-Ul, Zod's right-hand woman, who demanded that Lois also came with them. When Hardy attempted to fight back and said they would not take humans, Lois decided to go in order to avoid their plan failing.

Battle of Smallville
After Zod interrogated Superman, a fight soon ensued between the vigilante and the Sword of Rao through Smallville. This led Hardy to take upon his forces and attack the Kryptonians with their F-22 Raptors. They managed to easily destroy and kill all Airmen with the exception of Hardy, who was confronted by Faora. He took his gun and shot at her, but her Kryptonian indestructible skin deflected them all. Taking up his knife, his only weapon left, Nathan prepared for his death, until he was saved by Superman, who started battling Faora on his own, giving Hardy time to escape. This made Hardy trust Superman, and he spread about his loyalty to his men.