World War II Honoree

Fred Jesse Hayes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Roseburg, Oregon

Honored By

Steve Hayes

Relationship

Nephew

MEMBER OF OREGON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, D COMPANY, 162ND INFANTRY, 41ST DIVISION 'JUNGLEERS' FROM INDUCTION ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1940 THROUGH FEDERALIZATION AND UNTIL WOUNDED IN BATTLE AT NEW GUINEA. AT NEW GUINEA, HE WAS CREDITED WITH SAVING THE REMAINING LIVES OF HIS COMPANY BY STEPPING INTO THE LINE OF FIRE, ENGAGING AND ULTIMATELY NEGATING AN ENEMY AMBUSH. DESIGNATED COMBAT INFANTRYMAN, AWARDED THE SILVER STAR AND PURPLE HEART FOR NEW GUINEA ACTIONS. AFTER HIS RECOVERY FROM WOUNDS IN AUSTRALIA AND KANSAS, HE SERVED IN 7TH SERVICES COMMAND AT FORT OMAHA UNTIL HIS HONORABLE DISCHARGE ON AUGUST 9, 1945. OTHER DECORATIONS INCLUDE THE BRONZE STAR, ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 STAR, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL AND THE AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL.