World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
William A. Hays
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Vernon, Illinois
Honored By
Robert Medley Gatewood
ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON DECEMBER 18, 1942 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE QUARTERMASTER CORPS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER (345). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 4703RD QUARTERMASTER TRUCK COMPANY AND FOUGHT IN THE NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, ARDENNES, RHINELAND, AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 SILVER BATTLE STAR, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE ON NOVEMBER 7, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.