World War II Honoree

Ralph Clifton Hayes

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Tampa, Florida

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK PRIVATE 1ST CLASS. HE WAS A UNITED STATES MARINE, WHO SERVED IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS ASSIGNED TO THE 3RD BATTALION, 2ND MARINES, 2ND MARINE ‘SILENT SECOND’ DIVISION. ON SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1945 HE DIED OF WOUNDS SUSTAINED IN COMBAT AND WAS BURIED AT SEA. HE IS MEMORIALIZED AT THE HONOLULU MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC, ‘PUNCHBOWL’ HAWAII. DECORATION AND CITATION: THE MARINE WAS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART FOR HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE IN DEFENSE OF HIS COUNTRY.