Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant Major

Unit:

Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

March 12th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. During the assault crossing of the Waal River, Staff Sergeant Hayes was an Engineer Boatman in the first wave of the attack. Two engineers in the boat were killed and Staff Sergeant Hayes was painfully wounded in the leg. He rallied the remaining infantrymen and managed to get his boat to the far shore and pulled it up by himself to save the wounded men from drowning. Amid the confusion of battle and under intense enemy fire, he calmly organized a new boat crew and returned to the near shore. He made six trips across the river, refusing all medical aid until his company was relieved. Staff Sergeant Hayes' actions contributed materially to the success of the operation. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 32

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant Major

Unit:

Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

January 21st, 1946

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

For having distinguished himself by deeds of courage and tact during the fighting of the 82nd Airborne Division in the vicinity of the city of Nijmege during the months of September and October 1944 and for generally having set a meritorious example in extremely difficult conditions.

Royal decree no.11