The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an A-6A Intruder all-weather attack aircraft attached to and serving with Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a combat mission on 18 April 1966. Commander Hays brilliantly planned and led a daring two-plane bombing strike against the Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant near Haiphong, North Vietnam. The flight, operating alone, proceeded inbound during darkness using tactics designed to avoid early detection and to counter the multiple threat of enemy fighters, surface-to-air missiles and formidable anti-aircraft gun defenses. The satisfactory execution of these tactics under difficult and dangerous conditions required the highest degree of pilot skill. Upon arrival at the target, bombs were released precisely as planned. Large secondary explosions, showers of sparks and residual fires, accompanied by an immediate blackout of the surrounding area, attested to the accuracy of the delivery. This perfectly executed strike by Commander Hays into the center of North Vietnam defense systems was a complete success. Commander Hays’ courageous actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
April 16, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an A-6A aircraft in Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), on 16 April 1966, during a daring and highly dangerous two-plane daylight bombing mission against the vital Qui Vinh Railyard facility in North Vietnam. Commander Hays braved intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery and small arms fire plus the constant threat of surface-to-air missiles while gallantly pursuing the attack against one of the most heavily defended and vital links in the rail supply line between North Vietnam and the Viet Cong aggressors in the south. During the bombing runs, in which his aircraft was damaged by flak, he demonstrated a coolness under heavy fire which resulted in direct hits that devastated two large areas of the railway and destroyed several of the standing railroad cars. Commander Hays’ exceptional courage and determination in accurately pressing home his attack in the face of heavy opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
May 19, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet attack aircraft attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a daring Air Wing ELEVEN daylight coordinated strike against the Van Dien Army Supply Depot, five miles south of Hanoi, North Vietnam on 19 May 1967. Penetrating the most formidable defensive environment in the history of modern warfare, as leader of the A-6 attack element, Commander Hays, unerringly used his complex aircraft weapons system to provide the navigation lead for the entire strike group, composed of 19 airplanes, over 120 miles of hostile enemy territory, much of which was obscured by a billowing cloud cover. In the target area Commander Hays displayed a high degree of courage and professional skill by leading his flight safely to the precise roll-in point despite an extremely intense concentration of surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft fire, and the announced threat of airborne MiG interceptors. Commander Hays gallantly disregarded the determined defenses, positioned the strike group for a highly successful visual dive bombing run, then delivered his bombs on target. During retirement through continued intense missile and flak activity, Commander Hays’ faultless judgment and airborne leadership were prime factors in the safe egress of the strike group for the hazardous environment. By his outstanding performance, gallantry, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Commander Hays brought great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
December 13, 1966
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 15/PD-2654 (July 12, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 13 December 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). As the strike leader, Commander Hays planned and led a 25-plane strike group in a daring daylight strike against the heavily defended Van Dien Vehicle Depot five miles from the city of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Experiencing a radio failure while approaching the target area which required him to relinquish the lead, he continued as wingman in the van element, in preference to aborting, with only the capability to receive on-guard frequency. Upon arrival in the target area, he encountered multiple missile firings and formidable anti-aircraft fire, sustaining a direct hit by a 37-mm. round which penetrated the wing of his airplane. Even though his aircraft had received substantial damage, he rolled into his dive and accurately delivered his bombs on his assigned target as verified by the massive damage evident in post-strike photography taken of his target. By his bold planning, undaunted courage, inspiring leadership and superior airmanship, Commander Hays upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
April 24, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet attack aircraft attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a coordinated night strike against the jet interceptor base at Kep, North Vietnam on 24 April 1967. Commander Hays, as the strike leader, astutely planned and courageously executed the daring two plane attack on the target heavily defended by numerous surface-to-air missile sites, anti-aircraft and automatic weapons batteries and MiG interceptors. The alert posture of the defenses, following the initial North Vietnamese airfield strike during the afternoon of the same day, was readily apparent. Nevertheless, Commander Hays skillfully followed the contours of the mountainous ridges with clearances less than 100 feet at times and courageously pursued the high speed attack. However, protection which may have been afforded by the mountainous terrain terminated with the end of a low ridge four miles east of the target. Approaching the target cyclic barrage fire from heavy anti-aircraft artillery batteries turned night into day and buffeted the airplane, yet Commander Hays continued and visually acquired the white runway at two miles to go to bomb release. While under an umbrella formed by converging tracer fire he resolutely executed a highly successful low altitude bombing run which resulted in bomb impacts in the reveted parking and supply areas south of the runway which were his assigned targets. His daring leadership in planning, briefing and leading the strike, and his personal gallantry and loyal devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy fire brought great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
March 18 – 24, 1967
Board Serial 7765 (September 18, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft, attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during all-weather attacks against vital enemy facilities between 18 March and 24 March 1967. When inclement weather prevented visual attacks, Commander Hays boldly planned and courageously led four multi-aircraft night strikes during a one-week period against North Vietnam’s only steel and iron complex, and two of its most significant thermal power plants. Each of the targets was located deep inland well inside the formidable surface-to-air missile and enemy fighter interceptor network which protected the Red River Delta. Each target was also heavily defended by an unparalleled number of anti-aircraft batteries of all caliber and automatic weapons. Satisfactory execution of the extremely low altitude high speed penetration tactics dictated by the defensive environment required the utmost in piloting skills, courage and determination. In addition to his own gallant decision to lead each strike personally, Commander Hays elected to fly the more hazardous route to the targets in order to provide diversity of attack headings and a measure of reduced exposure to the other aircraft in the flight. Despite the intense barrage fire, almost continuous indications of missile and gun laying radar activity and missile fire encountered en route to and at the target area, he courageously pursued the daring attacks to a successful conclusion. The results achieved, as supported by photographic bomb damage assessment, were that all three facilities were damaged by bomb hits and rendered inoperable. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of repeated grave personal risks, Commander Hays upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
August 1975 – July 1978
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Director of the Office of Program Appraisal in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy from August 1975 to July 1978. As principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy responsible for the analyses of Navy and Marine Corps programs, Rear Admiral Hays distinguished himself in advancing the interest of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps with unique effectiveness and resourcefulness. Acting as the focal point for the Navy Secretariat for all Navy and Marine Corps programming matters, his thorough knowledge, analytical ability, and objectivity ensured that the Secretary of the Navy received all essential information relating to issues on which the Secretary was required to make a decision. In so doing, Rear Admiral Hays was most effective in building and strengthening consensus among the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Secretary of the Navy in support of program decisions which contributed significantly to their success in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the White House, and ultimately in the Congress of the United States. His loyalty and dedication to the objective support of initiatives of the Secretary were unstinting and provided the rationale necessary to support the programs. His superb achievements in structuring these future programs will have a direct impact on the combat effectiveness of the Navy and Marine Corps for years to come and will, in considerable measure, assure the premier posture of these forces into the next century. By his dedicated and prodigious effort. Rear Admiral Hays made a substantive and lasting contribution to the effectiveness of the Navy-Marine Corps team; thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
September 1980 – March 1983
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces, Europe, from September 1980 through December 1982 and as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces, Europe from January 1983 through March 1983. Demonstrating outstanding professional ability, charismatic leadership, and superb competence, Vice Admiral Hays was personally and directly responsible for a significant increase in the combat readiness of U.S. Naval Forces, Europe. His tour was a sustained challenge dealing with continued crisis involving national interests in the European Theater. Vice Admiral Hays’ judgment in coping with these extraordinary delicate complexities proved, without exception, the quintessence of sound military strategy and sensitive demarche. The image and operational readiness of the United States Navy was greatly enhanced by his superb calls. Vice Admiral Hays’ distinctive accomplishments, forceful leadership, unrelenting perseverance, and absolute dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from April 1983 to August 1985. Functioning in close cooperation and in direct support of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Hays’ astute and timely recommendations were invaluable in the formulation and implementation of Naval strategy. He demonstrated a profound grasp of global strategy as an alternate member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and exhibited an inestimable capability for rapid and exacting assessment of U.S. Naval requirements led to numerous innovative productivity enhancement programs among fleet support activities. These programs increased Navy’s combat readiness, integrated use of advanced technology coupled with strategic planning and force level programming processes, and significantly improved the overall quality of life for Naval personnel and their dependents. His keen sense of diplomacy and comprehensive grasp of Naval matters earned the admiration and respect of all with whom he was associated. Admiral Hays’ distinguished achievements, inspirational leadership, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
March 16, 1967
Board Serial 7765 (September 18, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 16 March 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-84), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a daring and hazardous night strike against the strategic Bac Giang Thermal Power Plant located thirty miles northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam. When a malfunction developed in the airplane of his wingman, Commander Hays detached the faltering airplane and courageously continued on the mission alone. In adverse weather conditions, complete darkness, and at extremely low altitude, he succeeded in reaching the target despite frequent encounters with intense barrage fire along the route, almost continuous indications of missile and gun-laying radar activity, a missile fired at the airplane, and an attempt by the enemy to illuminate the airplane with searchlights. Upon arrival at the preplanned release point, he accurately delivered his bombs. During retirement following the attack, he displayed unerring airmanship and extreme boldness in maneuvering to avoid the surface-to-air missile volley fired at his aircraft. Post-strike photography of the target revealed extensive damage to the power plant complex. Through his heroic actions and fearless devotion to duty, Commander Hays succeeded in destroying vital portions of a facility indispensable to the enemy’s war-making potential. His performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
September 1978 – August 1980
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Ronald Jackson Hays (NSN: 0-532873/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff for the Commander in Chief Atlantic and the Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and as Deputy Commander in Chief Western Atlantic Area and Deputy Commander Ocean Atlantic from September 1978 through August 1980. Vice Admiral Hays’ executive leadership, planning expertise, and military/political acumen contributed directly to the successful accomplishment of the missions of these four major commands. His skillful coordination and direction of the total efforts of the joint, fleet, and combined staffs resulted in the achievement of maximum effectiveness in the areas of organization, administration, training, readiness, and operations. Vice Admiral Hays’ unique perception of operational and training requirements, constant evaluation of material and personnel resources, and realignment of priorities ensured that the Atlantic Command and the Atlantic Fleet remained responsive to the various contingencies and natural disasters which occurred during his tour. By his distinctive accomplishments, perseverance, astuteness, and impressive devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Hays reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.