By ERIC LENKOWITZ

May 2, 2008 --

Hardhats at the new Yankee Stadium are among a legion of generous Post readers who have donated close to $1 million to help wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

The ironworkers from Local 40 wrote the checks after reading a series of columns last December that chronicled the Warrior and Family Support Center, which treats soldiers suffering horrific injuries at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

"Those ironworkers getting together and giving their very hard-earned money to help veterans says a lot about America," said Ralph Peters, a retired Army officer who penned the seven-part series for the PostOpinion section.

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The articles have brought about 4,000 contributions - totaling more than $809,000 - in less than five months.

"I don't think any other newspaper in the United States could have generated money like this," Peters said.

The ironworkers' latest donations came as the final beam was hoisted to complete the new stadium's steel skeleton.

Meanwhile, more than 500 people packed Cipriani on East 42nd Street last night for the third annual Wounded Warrior Project gala.

The benefit dinner, hosted by sportscaster Bob Costas, honored the project, which was created to raise awareness about severely injured soldiers.

"Being here surrounded by these veterans is a very humbling experience," said "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, one of the guests.

Additional reporting by Frank Rosario

eric.lenkowitz@nypost.com