Henry Hayes: An American Hero of World War II

Introduction

Henry Hayes was an African American soldier who served in the United States Army during World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in combat.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in 1923 in Brunswick, Georgia, Hayes was raised in poverty. He attended segregated schools and worked on a farm before joining the United States Army in 1943. He was assigned to the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, an all-black unit that provided air defense for troops and installations.

Heroic Act

In October 1944, Hayes's battalion was deployed to New Guinea. On October 26th, his unit was attacked by Japanese forces. Hayes manned a machine gun and fought off the enemy, killing at least 14 soldiers. Despite being wounded twice, he continued to fire until the attack was repelled.

Medal of Honor

For his bravery, Hayes was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945. He was the first African American to receive the award since the Spanish-American War.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Hayes returned to the United States and worked as a schoolteacher. He died in 2013 at the age of 90. His legacy lives on through the Henry Hayes Jr. Foundation, which provides scholarships to students pursuing higher education.

Transition:

Hayes's heroism not only earned him the nation's highest military honor but also served as a powerful symbol of the courage and sacrifice of African American soldiers during World War II.

Additional Information

• Hayes was also awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
• In 1994, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in Hayes's honor.
• In 2022, the United States Congress passed a bill designating a post office in Brunswick, Georgia as the Henry Hayes Jr. Post Office Building.

Table 1: Henry Hayes' Military Awards

Table 2: African Americans in World War II

Table 3: Henry Hayes' Medal of Honor Citation

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Hayes, a member of Company A, 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 26 October 1944, in the vicinity of Cape Gloucester, New Britain. During an enemy attack on friendly positions, Private First Class Hayes was serving as a machine gunner. In the face of intense fire from a numerically superior enemy force, he fought off the enemy. He killed a number of the enemy, and when a grenade landed near him, he picked it up and threw it back at the enemy."

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Call to Action

Henry Hayes's legacy reminds us of the importance of courage, determination, and sacrifice. Let his story inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves and to strive for excellence in everything we do.