World War II Honoree

Lawrence K. 'Larry' Hayes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Webb City, Missouri

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

Relationship

Not Determined

ENLISTED IN MILITARY SERVICE IN 1944, FIVE DAYS AFTER GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL. APPLIED, AND WAS SELECTED FOR AIRCREW TRAINING IN THE AVIATION CADET PROGRAM AS A PILOT. UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PREFLIGHT SCHOOL, PRIMARY FLYING SCHOOL, BASIC FLYING SCHOOL AND ADVANCED FLYING TRAINING, HE WAS EARMARKED FOR FOLLOW-ON AIRCRAFT TRAINING, AWARDED HIS SILVER PILOT WINGS AND COMMISSIONED A SECOND LIEUTENANT. NEXT, ASSIGNED FOR TRANSITION FLYING TRAINING IN THE AIRCRAFT HE WOULD FLY IN COMBAT. AWARDED THE ARMY PILOT BADGE, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.