Daniel J. Hayes

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Daniel J. Hayes, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in support of Operation STRONG EAGLE on 13 July 2010. Early on that morning, about 200 enemy insurgents attacked the vehicle patrol base in Wanat, Afghanistan. The Taliban surrounded the remote base and its observation post, then attacked the village and its surrounding farmland. American heavy munitions were destroyed, U.S. lines were broken and the based was invaded. Faced with enemy fire, outnumbers, and in many cases wounded, Staff Sergeant Hayes and his fellow paratroopers fought desperately for each other, overcoming fear and willingly risking their lives to save others. Staff Sergeant Hayes’ gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Daniel J. Hayes (2422326), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 November 1968, Lance Corporal Hayes was directed to escort a sniper to a tree line some distance forward of the company’s defensive perimeter and to provide security for the man while he was in position. Utilizing what little natural cover was available, Lance Corporal Hayes skillfully maneuvered his eight-man squad across an open rice paddy and was into the tree line when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior hostile force occupying well-concealed emplacements. In the initial burst of fire, five Marines were seriously wounded, including Lance Corporal Hayes. Ignoring his painful injuries, he refused medical attention and provided covering fire while his wounded companions were treated. Quickly deploying his men into covered fighting positions, he directed their suppressive fire upon the enemy soldiers. Observing a casualty being further subjected to hostile fire, he unhesitatingly threw himself across the man’s body to protect him from additional injury. With exceptional tactical skill, he then regrouped his men for an orderly withdrawal across the open terrain to the company lines and, disregarding his own safety, provided covering fire for his squad. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of his Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Hayes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.