Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Henry
Hayes
September 14, 1916

–

March 6, 2008

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

James Hayes graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1942. He retired in 1965 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Office of the Secretary of Defense

    Action Date:

    August 1963 – June 1965
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 27 (August 13, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James Henry Hayes (ASN: 0-24646), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from August 1963 to June 1965.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    317th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1944
    Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (November 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James Henry Hayes (ASN: 0-24646), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 4 October 1944, in France. While subjected to extremely intense enemy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire, he personally assisted in the direction of the offensive. Armed with a submachine gun he rose upright and personally engaged in a fire fight which inspired his men to destroy the enemy. By his fearless leadership he proved an inspiring example to his men, and his personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.