World War II Honoree

Charles Harold Hayes

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

San Marcial, New Mexico

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

A Naval aviator who served in Guadalcanal Campaign. He was sent there to expedite the completion of the vital Henderson Field. Within four days with a Navy construction unit and despite daily Japanese air raids, they had the field ready for operation. He was assigned to be Air Officer on the Staff of the Commander, 3rd Amphibious Corps. He took part in the planning and execution of the Green Island, Emirau, Leyte and Luzon invasions and the planning phase of the Palau operation. He arrived in Tokyo Bay with the initial occupation forces on the day of the surrender, September 2, 1945. Received Legion of Merit, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Base clasp, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star and two bronze stars, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars.