Francis J. Hayes Jr.
Sergeant
D Company
6th Infantry Regiment
19th Light Infantry Brigade
Americal Division
Entered the Service from: New Jersey
Born: July 14, 1947
Died: May 15, 1968
Buried at: Gate of Heaven Cemetery
Berlin, New Jersey
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Panel 60E, Line 23
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Francis J. Hayes Jr.
Introduction
Sergeant Francis Joseph Hayes Jr. was born on July 14, 1947, to Francis and May Hayes. His home of record is Runnemede, NJ. He had one brother. Francis graduated from Triton High School in 1966.
Francis J. Hayes Jr. entered the US Army in October 1966, where he attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT).
On May 15, 1968, Hayes was killed in action.
He received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Military Merit Medal, and Gallantry Cross with Palm.
He is memorialized on Panel 60E, Line 23 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Remembered by Friends
He Was In My Platoon — A Good Man
I was right there next to you that day Hayes. We were all on line you, me, Rahm and Butch. You and Rahm were just back from Hawaii to see your wives. We were taking some rinky-dink worthless hill in the A-Shau. We might have been on the same hill the week before. It was over a 100 degrees. That was the day, they kept mortaring us and following us around. We couldn’t sleep, we couldn’t go to the can. Uhren bought it that day or the day before. After a while, I didn’t care anymore. We couldn’t put out mortars because we had aircraft up. They were hitting us though and their NVA guys at the top of the hill didn’t want to let go. You and Rahm jumped into the same hole and you both caught it at the same time. We went on to take the hill, but the day was shot, it was one of sadness. I won’t forget you, you were one hell of a man. I helped to put you on the chopper all wrapped up. The next day, I got hit with a bunch of us, the louie too. I spent 6 months in the hospital. I got two purples, and a 50% disability. I still remember you and the guys. You were just one of the guys that people should remember. When I was 21, it was a very bad year.
Sam J. Maggio
C/D CO. 198th LIB, Americal
Wheaton, IL
September 12, 2001