WW2 Fallen - DSC and Silver Star hero John Hays, 45th Infantry Division

Lt. John Hays served with the 45th Infantry Division from North Africa to Sicily, Italy, and France.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166565782/john-h-hays
https://newsok.com/gallery/2821/history-of-the-45th 

John H. "Jack" Hays never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.

He was born on April 13, 1919 in Hannibal, Missouri. His parents William and Anna were also both born in Missouri. His father worked as a saloon keeper and later as a saloon proprietor. After prohibition started, he got a job as a taxicab driver. He died in 1930. John had seven older sisters and four older brothers. By 1940 Jack had completed four years of high school and was working as a shoe factory worker while living with two sisters and his mother.

He enlisted in the army on October 31, 1940. He was accepted to attend officers candidate school. He eventually became a second lieutenant in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.

Lt. Hays survived fighting in Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, and Rome-Arno. He no doubt lost many friends - the 45th ID had more than 25,000 casualties during World War 2. In August 1944, he landed in southern France. By October he was fighting in the Vosges Mountains.

Within a four day period Lt. Hays earned the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross (awarded posthumously).

Here is his Silver Star citation:

JOHN H HAYS 01307409 INF, Second Lieutenant, Company L, 180th Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 1 October 1944 at Fremifontaine, France. 

When the advance of his platoon met heavy resistance from entrenched German infantry, Second Lieutenant Hays neutralized the hostile positions with rifle grenade fire. As the enemy left their positions, Second Lieutenant Hays, at the head of his platoon, charged the retreating Germans and engaged them in close combat, personally inflicting heavy casualties on them. 

His gallant leadership inspired his platoon to carry out a successful attack and reflects the high traditions of the Army of the United States.

Here is his Distinguished Service Cross citation:

 For extraordinary heroism in action on Oct 4, 1944 in France. 

Approaching a farmhouse suspected of containing an enemy headquarters, Lt Hays ordered his reconnaissance patrol to take cover. He crossed a field under enemy observation and single handed attacked the house with hand grenades and rifle fire. With fearless determination he jumped through a window into a room containing eight of the enemy and after a sharp fight, destroyed or wounded two officers and captured six of their men. Moving quickly into an adjoining room, Lt Hays captured four more enemy soldiers. He continued his search of the building and with hand grenades caused the surrender of five more of the hostile force. 

His heroic performance resulted in the disorganization and capture of an enemy battalion headquarters and exemplifies the highest tradition of the Army of the United States.

Twelve days later on October 16, 1944, Lt. Hays was killed in action when German forces counterattacked outside Fremifontaine.

His grave is at Holy Family Cemetery in Hannibal, Missouri.

Thank you Lt. Hays for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Jack.

Last year on this date I profiled US Naval Academy graduate and Silver Star hero James Preston who served as the executive officer on the destroyer USS Bryant. You can read about James here.

On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!

I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.

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WW2 Fallen 100 is supported by

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