Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Frank
Kerr
Hays
November 3, 1896

–

March 9, 1988

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Frank Hays became an ACE in World War I, and was credited with 6 aerial victories.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    13th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    2d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 4, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (June 3, 1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Frank Kerr Hays, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with 13th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Fontaine, France, 4 November 1918, during an attack by his formation on seven Fokkers.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    13th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    2d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 143 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Frank Kerr Hays, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 13th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Chambley, France, 13 September 1918. Lieutenant Hays was one of an offensive patrol of five planes, attacked by seven enemy scouts (Fokker type), that dived down on them from the clouds, catching the American patrol in a disadvantageous position. In the course of the combat which followed, both of Lieutenant Hays’ machine guns jammed. By an extraordinary effort he cleared his guns and drove off the adversary. He then observed his flight commander in a dangerous situation with two enemy planes behind him. He attacked and destroyed one and forced the other to withdraw.