THE WALL OF FACES

I served under CPT Hays as a 1LT and Artillery Forward Observer. He was an outstanding officer and leader. As a 1LT new to Vietnam he taught me many valuable lessons both by directly coaching me and by the example he set for everyone and me under his command. In my latter military career I attempted to follow his leadership examples.

CPT Hays always remained cool and calm in combat. Even in the worst situations and firefights he never raised his voice but spoke in measured tones. This had a calming effect on those around him and helped them not to panic and to survive. In my own later tough situations I tried to emulate his approach.

He carried very deeply for the men in his command. On operations he never slept until he had checked the entire perimeter and spoken to everyone still awake and on guard. Like many others I cried the day he was killed. I had been with CPT Hays and Bravo Troop on an operation just days before he was killed in action. A new forward observer replaced me and I returned to the rear area for a new assignment. CPT Hays was commanding B Troop in a firefight when he was killed.

Outside the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY, there is an ACAV with his name on it and dedicated in memory of all Armor and Cavalry Troopers who lost their lives in Vietnam. This is a fitting memorial to a fine officer and a remarkable leader.