From the West Point Association of Graduates Memorial:
CPT Thomas J. Hayes, IV was born 8 September 1943 in Denton, Texas to an Army family, MG Thomas J. Hayes III '36 and Jean Pedley Hayes; he was grandson of MG T.J. Hayes '12. Military assignments led to frequent family moves: they lived in England and in nine states. Tom attended eight schools, did well scholastically, was active in scouting and the church, enjoyed sports and music, was on the student council at all three high schools, and earned an Advanced Science Scholarship.
In 1961, Tom went to Duke University for a year, where he was elected to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. In 1962, he won a competitive appointment from Representative King, 17th District of California, and entered the Academy, thus following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
At West Point he had a distinguished record. Academically, he took accelerated and honors courses, wore stars and stood in the top 2% of his class. He was a member of the Choir, the Glee Club and the Russian Club, fenced, had four years of soccer and skiing, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. In his final year he was a Cadet Captain, the Brigade Adjutant, President of the Cadet Choir, and Chairman of the Honor Committee. In June 1966 he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers.
Lieutenant Hayes' military career was short but full. As a distinguished graduate (9th in a class of 579) he was approved for immediate graduate schooling at a civilian university of his choice. He chose to defer this in favor of service in Vietnam and requested assignment to the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for further training, his four months of CONUS troop duty, and ultimate assignment to the 1st Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam.
His tour with the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion of the 82d included qualification in Paratrooper, Ranger, and Pathfinder at the Infantry Center. Then he went to Vietnam in May 1967 as a platoon leader in the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion. Here he received his first two awards and promotion to first lieutenant.
In September 1967, Tom was due for rotation to an Engineer staff position. Although he intended to make a career of the Engineers, at this point he sought combat experience at the small unit level and volunteered for the division's Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit. This was an unusual organization made up of several small teams dropped deep in the jungle to observe and report on enemy activities. Here Tom was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.
Next he was selected to form and lead the Division's Aero Rifle Platoon. This unit, part of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, had a critical task as the eyes and ears of the "Big Red One." He participated in over 100 assault missions and "turned his unit into the most competitive rifle platoon in the division." On his last mission, after rescuing two of his wounded men, he was killed by enemy fire.
In his last letter, received after his death, he wrote that he had volunteered for a six month extension in Vietnam to serve with the 101st Airborne Division. One of his reasons: "My country has invested a great deal in me as a soldier. I should like to repay that investment by accomplishing that for which I have been trained, in addition to testing the effectiveness of that training."
Subsequently, we learned more about Tom's soldiering from his citations and awards, his posthumous promotion to captain, after-action reports, and letters from his fellow officers. His squadron commander stated, "Tom's influence extended much further than on the battlefield. His deep, personal interest in his men and in his fellow officers was inspiring. He was completely dedicated to his country and to his fellow soldiers. No matter what the mission or how difficult the task, Tom performed it in an outstanding manner."
A letter from the USMA Superintendent said: "One almost never sees as much ability and promise in one youngster. His future was limitless...and it still is, both in the direct sense of our faith and in the indirect sense of his tremendous influence for good on so many others."
Perhaps he lives on in some of the memorials dedicated to his name: a Boy Scout camp site in Nebraska; a street in San Diego; the Hayes Gym at West Point; and the Hayes Hall at the Army Engineer Center (Fort Leonard Wood).
Tom was unmarried. He is survived by his parents, MG and Mrs. Thomas J. Hayes III of San Francisco; his two sisters, Mary Helen Attride and Barbara Jean Beddow; many memories; and his name on the Vietnam Memorial with thousands of others.
Decorations include two Silver Stars and four Bronze Star Medals for heroism.
From classmate Frank Cosentino: Fifty four years ago , I walked into a room in the Lost Fifties to meet my new roommate. He wasn't particularly imposing from a physical standpoint, and was somewhat reticent in his greeting. We could not have been more polar opposite in background and personal priorities. And yet, over the course of that semester and the ensuing year spent together in I-2, I had the privilege of learning to admire, respect and love, yes I said love, Thomas J Hayes IV for the myriad of qualities he possessed.
Tom played the guitar, and even taught me how to strum a few songs. I loved listening to rock n roll, and Tom would put on show tunes. Tom flourished at academics, I loved rock n roll. Even after we were separated by the change of companies, we remained very close friends. Tom invited me to his family's home for dinner and although scared to death of his dad, which Tom thought was hilarious, I had a great evening.
My last conversation with Tom was in Central Area, after the graduation parade. We just happened to run into each other, exchanged a handshake and a hug and I told him the following:
" you know Tom, if it weren't for me you wouldn't have finished so high in class rank." He looked at me with a great big smile and said " you're right, I would have finished higher!" We wished each other the best of luck and went our separate ways. Whatever he may have wanted to do, he would have been the best.
I cried when I heard he had been killed.
Rest in peace Brother.
From classmate Rees Barksdale: Speaking of TOM's guitar playing, about the only thing I ever taught TOM was at the start of cow year, when we were in different companies and "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals, was very popular. Either before or after church, I told him I knew the chords; he came to my room that day after church or lunch and learned them.
And, speaking of show tunes, early during second semester of plebe year, he and I did a skit with the music from "West Side Story" to get a fall-out at dinner. TOMMY SMITH was the other plebe/participant; I think we got the fall-out very quickly because the table commandant--believe it was our company commander, DENNY LEACH, heavyweight champ in brigade boxing and coach of our brigade champion intramural boxing team (including me at 147 pounds; TOM ZURLA, heavyweight; TOMMY SMITH, 178 pounds; lefty TOM BEASLEY, 165)--was so embarrassed for TOMMY SMITH when he sang.
One of my last vivid memories at WEST POINT of TOM was when our firstie academic year began and the team came in from two-a-days at Buckner; I went by the "wheel house" to congratulate him on being brigade adjutant. Being the wonderful competitor and leader that he was, he told me he was disappointed, because he'd been promised a regimental command in either the second or fourth regiment. But, I always felt the commandant, etc., felt TOM was needed in that very important brigade position.
Finally, the last time I saw him was at the end of RANGER 3; JIM PEAKE had been his Ranger buddy an we were turning in our equipment. TOM was seriously questioning being in the engineers, like his Father and Grandfather, both generals and WP grads, as opposed to the infantry. Thus, I was not surprised when, while in RVN when he was killed in April '68, I heard he'd been leading an infantry unit. Again, a great soldier.
TOM had an appointment to enter in '61, but decided to re-think it and went to Duke. There, during his freshman year, he decided he did want to attend WEST POINT. One of the most vivid examples I know of THE LONG GRAY LINE and DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY is found in the side-by-side graves of TOM, his Father, and Grandfather.
West Point AOG Memorial Page: http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26090/
∼USMA Class of 1966.
CPT Thomas J. Hayes, IV was born 8 September 1943 in Denton, Texas to an Army family, MG Thomas J. Hayes III '36 and Jean Pedley Hayes; he was grandson of MG T.J. Hayes '12. Military assignments led to frequent family moves: they lived in England and in nine states. Tom attended eight schools, did well scholastically, was active in scouting and the church, enjoyed sports and music, was on the student council at all three high schools, and earned an Advanced Science Scholarship.
In 1961, Tom went to Duke University for a year, where he was elected to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. In 1962, he won a competitive appointment from Representative King, 17th District of California, and entered the Academy, thus following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
At West Point he had a distinguished record. Academically, he took accelerated and honors courses, wore stars and stood in the top 2% of his class. He was a member of the Choir, the Glee Club and the Russian Club, fenced, had four years of soccer and skiing, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. In his final year he was a Cadet Captain, the Brigade Adjutant, President of the Cadet Choir, and Chairman of the Honor Committee. In June 1966 he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers.
Lieutenant Hayes' military career was short but full. As a distinguished graduate (9th in a class of 579) he was approved for immediate graduate schooling at a civilian university of his choice. He chose to defer this in favor of service in Vietnam and requested assignment to the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for further training, his four months of CONUS troop duty, and ultimate assignment to the 1st Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam.
His tour with the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion of the 82d included qualification in Paratrooper, Ranger, and Pathfinder at the Infantry Center. Then he went to Vietnam in May 1967 as a platoon leader in the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion. Here he received his first two awards and promotion to first lieutenant.
In September 1967, Tom was due for rotation to an Engineer staff position. Although he intended to make a career of the Engineers, at this point he sought combat experience at the small unit level and volunteered for the division's Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit. This was an unusual organization made up of several small teams dropped deep in the jungle to observe and report on enemy activities. Here Tom was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.
Next he was selected to form and lead the Division's Aero Rifle Platoon. This unit, part of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, had a critical task as the eyes and ears of the "Big Red One." He participated in over 100 assault missions and "turned his unit into the most competitive rifle platoon in the division." On his last mission, after rescuing two of his wounded men, he was killed by enemy fire.
In his last letter, received after his death, he wrote that he had volunteered for a six month extension in Vietnam to serve with the 101st Airborne Division. One of his reasons: "My country has invested a great deal in me as a soldier. I should like to repay that investment by accomplishing that for which I have been trained, in addition to testing the effectiveness of that training."
Subsequently, we learned more about Tom's soldiering from his citations and awards, his posthumous promotion to captain, after-action reports, and letters from his fellow officers. His squadron commander stated, "Tom's influence extended much further than on the battlefield. His deep, personal interest in his men and in his fellow officers was inspiring. He was completely dedicated to his country and to his fellow soldiers. No matter what the mission or how difficult the task, Tom performed it in an outstanding manner."
A letter from the USMA Superintendent said: "One almost never sees as much ability and promise in one youngster. His future was limitless...and it still is, both in the direct sense of our faith and in the indirect sense of his tremendous influence for good on so many others."
Perhaps he lives on in some of the memorials dedicated to his name: a Boy Scout camp site in Nebraska; a street in San Diego; the Hayes Gym at West Point; and the Hayes Hall at the Army Engineer Center (Fort Leonard Wood).
Tom was unmarried. He is survived by his parents, MG and Mrs. Thomas J. Hayes III of San Francisco; his two sisters, Mary Helen Attride and Barbara Jean Beddow; many memories; and his name on the Vietnam Memorial with thousands of others.
Decorations include two Silver Stars and four Bronze Star Medals for heroism.
From classmate Frank Cosentino: Fifty four years ago , I walked into a room in the Lost Fifties to meet my new roommate. He wasn't particularly imposing from a physical standpoint, and was somewhat reticent in his greeting. We could not have been more polar opposite in background and personal priorities. And yet, over the course of that semester and the ensuing year spent together in I-2, I had the privilege of learning to admire, respect and love, yes I said love, Thomas J Hayes IV for the myriad of qualities he possessed.
Tom played the guitar, and even taught me how to strum a few songs. I loved listening to rock n roll, and Tom would put on show tunes. Tom flourished at academics, I loved rock n roll. Even after we were separated by the change of companies, we remained very close friends. Tom invited me to his family's home for dinner and although scared to death of his dad, which Tom thought was hilarious, I had a great evening.
My last conversation with Tom was in Central Area, after the graduation parade. We just happened to run into each other, exchanged a handshake and a hug and I told him the following:
" you know Tom, if it weren't for me you wouldn't have finished so high in class rank." He looked at me with a great big smile and said " you're right, I would have finished higher!" We wished each other the best of luck and went our separate ways. Whatever he may have wanted to do, he would have been the best.
I cried when I heard he had been killed.
Rest in peace Brother.
From classmate Rees Barksdale: Speaking of TOM's guitar playing, about the only thing I ever taught TOM was at the start of cow year, when we were in different companies and "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals, was very popular. Either before or after church, I told him I knew the chords; he came to my room that day after church or lunch and learned them.
And, speaking of show tunes, early during second semester of plebe year, he and I did a skit with the music from "West Side Story" to get a fall-out at dinner. TOMMY SMITH was the other plebe/participant; I think we got the fall-out very quickly because the table commandant--believe it was our company commander, DENNY LEACH, heavyweight champ in brigade boxing and coach of our brigade champion intramural boxing team (including me at 147 pounds; TOM ZURLA, heavyweight; TOMMY SMITH, 178 pounds; lefty TOM BEASLEY, 165)--was so embarrassed for TOMMY SMITH when he sang.
One of my last vivid memories at WEST POINT of TOM was when our firstie academic year began and the team came in from two-a-days at Buckner; I went by the "wheel house" to congratulate him on being brigade adjutant. Being the wonderful competitor and leader that he was, he told me he was disappointed, because he'd been promised a regimental command in either the second or fourth regiment. But, I always felt the commandant, etc., felt TOM was needed in that very important brigade position.
Finally, the last time I saw him was at the end of RANGER 3; JIM PEAKE had been his Ranger buddy an we were turning in our equipment. TOM was seriously questioning being in the engineers, like his Father and Grandfather, both generals and WP grads, as opposed to the infantry. Thus, I was not surprised when, while in RVN when he was killed in April '68, I heard he'd been leading an infantry unit. Again, a great soldier.
TOM had an appointment to enter in '61, but decided to re-think it and went to Duke. There, during his freshman year, he decided he did want to attend WEST POINT. One of the most vivid examples I know of THE LONG GRAY LINE and DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY is found in the side-by-side graves of TOM, his Father, and Grandfather.
West Point AOG Memorial Page: http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26090/
∼USMA Class of 1966.
From the West Point Association of Graduates Memorial:
CPT Thomas J. Hayes, IV was born 8 September 1943 in Denton, Texas to an Army family, MG Thomas J. Hayes III '36 and Jean Pedley Hayes; he was grandson of MG T.J. Hayes '12. Military assignments led to frequent family moves: they lived in England and in nine states. Tom attended eight schools, did well scholastically, was active in scouting and the church, enjoyed sports and music, was on the student council at all three high schools, and earned an Advanced Science Scholarship.
In 1961, Tom went to Duke University for a year, where he was elected to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. In 1962, he won a competitive appointment from Representative King, 17th District of California, and entered the Academy, thus following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
At West Point he had a distinguished record. Academically, he took accelerated and honors courses, wore stars and stood in the top 2% of his class. He was a member of the Choir, the Glee Club and the Russian Club, fenced, had four years of soccer and skiing, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. In his final year he was a Cadet Captain, the Brigade Adjutant, President of the Cadet Choir, and Chairman of the Honor Committee. In June 1966 he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers.
Lieutenant Hayes' military career was short but full. As a distinguished graduate (9th in a class of 579) he was approved for immediate graduate schooling at a civilian university of his choice. He chose to defer this in favor of service in Vietnam and requested assignment to the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for further training, his four months of CONUS troop duty, and ultimate assignment to the 1st Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam.
His tour with the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion of the 82d included qualification in Paratrooper, Ranger, and Pathfinder at the Infantry Center. Then he went to Vietnam in May 1967 as a platoon leader in the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion. Here he received his first two awards and promotion to first lieutenant.
In September 1967, Tom was due for rotation to an Engineer staff position. Although he intended to make a career of the Engineers, at this point he sought combat experience at the small unit level and volunteered for the division's Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit. This was an unusual organization made up of several small teams dropped deep in the jungle to observe and report on enemy activities. Here Tom was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.
Next he was selected to form and lead the Division's Aero Rifle Platoon. This unit, part of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, had a critical task as the eyes and ears of the "Big Red One." He participated in over 100 assault missions and "turned his unit into the most competitive rifle platoon in the division." On his last mission, after rescuing two of his wounded men, he was killed by enemy fire.
In his last letter, received after his death, he wrote that he had volunteered for a six month extension in Vietnam to serve with the 101st Airborne Division. One of his reasons: "My country has invested a great deal in me as a soldier. I should like to repay that investment by accomplishing that for which I have been trained, in addition to testing the effectiveness of that training."
Subsequently, we learned more about Tom's soldiering from his citations and awards, his posthumous promotion to captain, after-action reports, and letters from his fellow officers. His squadron commander stated, "Tom's influence extended much further than on the battlefield. His deep, personal interest in his men and in his fellow officers was inspiring. He was completely dedicated to his country and to his fellow soldiers. No matter what the mission or how difficult the task, Tom performed it in an outstanding manner."
A letter from the USMA Superintendent said: "One almost never sees as much ability and promise in one youngster. His future was limitless...and it still is, both in the direct sense of our faith and in the indirect sense of his tremendous influence for good on so many others."
Perhaps he lives on in some of the memorials dedicated to his name: a Boy Scout camp site in Nebraska; a street in San Diego; the Hayes Gym at West Point; and the Hayes Hall at the Army Engineer Center (Fort Leonard Wood).
Tom was unmarried. He is survived by his parents, MG and Mrs. Thomas J. Hayes III of San Francisco; his two sisters, Mary Helen Attride and Barbara Jean Beddow; many memories; and his name on the Vietnam Memorial with thousands of others.
Decorations include two Silver Stars and four Bronze Star Medals for heroism.
From classmate Frank Cosentino: Fifty four years ago , I walked into a room in the Lost Fifties to meet my new roommate. He wasn't particularly imposing from a physical standpoint, and was somewhat reticent in his greeting. We could not have been more polar opposite in background and personal priorities. And yet, over the course of that semester and the ensuing year spent together in I-2, I had the privilege of learning to admire, respect and love, yes I said love, Thomas J Hayes IV for the myriad of qualities he possessed.
Tom played the guitar, and even taught me how to strum a few songs. I loved listening to rock n roll, and Tom would put on show tunes. Tom flourished at academics, I loved rock n roll. Even after we were separated by the change of companies, we remained very close friends. Tom invited me to his family's home for dinner and although scared to death of his dad, which Tom thought was hilarious, I had a great evening.
My last conversation with Tom was in Central Area, after the graduation parade. We just happened to run into each other, exchanged a handshake and a hug and I told him the following:
" you know Tom, if it weren't for me you wouldn't have finished so high in class rank." He looked at me with a great big smile and said " you're right, I would have finished higher!" We wished each other the best of luck and went our separate ways. Whatever he may have wanted to do, he would have been the best.
I cried when I heard he had been killed.
Rest in peace Brother.
From classmate Rees Barksdale: Speaking of TOM's guitar playing, about the only thing I ever taught TOM was at the start of cow year, when we were in different companies and "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals, was very popular. Either before or after church, I told him I knew the chords; he came to my room that day after church or lunch and learned them.
And, speaking of show tunes, early during second semester of plebe year, he and I did a skit with the music from "West Side Story" to get a fall-out at dinner. TOMMY SMITH was the other plebe/participant; I think we got the fall-out very quickly because the table commandant--believe it was our company commander, DENNY LEACH, heavyweight champ in brigade boxing and coach of our brigade champion intramural boxing team (including me at 147 pounds; TOM ZURLA, heavyweight; TOMMY SMITH, 178 pounds; lefty TOM BEASLEY, 165)--was so embarrassed for TOMMY SMITH when he sang.
One of my last vivid memories at WEST POINT of TOM was when our firstie academic year began and the team came in from two-a-days at Buckner; I went by the "wheel house" to congratulate him on being brigade adjutant. Being the wonderful competitor and leader that he was, he told me he was disappointed, because he'd been promised a regimental command in either the second or fourth regiment. But, I always felt the commandant, etc., felt TOM was needed in that very important brigade position.
Finally, the last time I saw him was at the end of RANGER 3; JIM PEAKE had been his Ranger buddy an we were turning in our equipment. TOM was seriously questioning being in the engineers, like his Father and Grandfather, both generals and WP grads, as opposed to the infantry. Thus, I was not surprised when, while in RVN when he was killed in April '68, I heard he'd been leading an infantry unit. Again, a great soldier.
TOM had an appointment to enter in '61, but decided to re-think it and went to Duke. There, during his freshman year, he decided he did want to attend WEST POINT. One of the most vivid examples I know of THE LONG GRAY LINE and DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY is found in the side-by-side graves of TOM, his Father, and Grandfather.
West Point AOG Memorial Page: http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26090/
∼USMA Class of 1966.
CPT Thomas J. Hayes, IV was born 8 September 1943 in Denton, Texas to an Army family, MG Thomas J. Hayes III '36 and Jean Pedley Hayes; he was grandson of MG T.J. Hayes '12. Military assignments led to frequent family moves: they lived in England and in nine states. Tom attended eight schools, did well scholastically, was active in scouting and the church, enjoyed sports and music, was on the student council at all three high schools, and earned an Advanced Science Scholarship.
In 1961, Tom went to Duke University for a year, where he was elected to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. In 1962, he won a competitive appointment from Representative King, 17th District of California, and entered the Academy, thus following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
At West Point he had a distinguished record. Academically, he took accelerated and honors courses, wore stars and stood in the top 2% of his class. He was a member of the Choir, the Glee Club and the Russian Club, fenced, had four years of soccer and skiing, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. In his final year he was a Cadet Captain, the Brigade Adjutant, President of the Cadet Choir, and Chairman of the Honor Committee. In June 1966 he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers.
Lieutenant Hayes' military career was short but full. As a distinguished graduate (9th in a class of 579) he was approved for immediate graduate schooling at a civilian university of his choice. He chose to defer this in favor of service in Vietnam and requested assignment to the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for further training, his four months of CONUS troop duty, and ultimate assignment to the 1st Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam.
His tour with the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion of the 82d included qualification in Paratrooper, Ranger, and Pathfinder at the Infantry Center. Then he went to Vietnam in May 1967 as a platoon leader in the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion. Here he received his first two awards and promotion to first lieutenant.
In September 1967, Tom was due for rotation to an Engineer staff position. Although he intended to make a career of the Engineers, at this point he sought combat experience at the small unit level and volunteered for the division's Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit. This was an unusual organization made up of several small teams dropped deep in the jungle to observe and report on enemy activities. Here Tom was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.
Next he was selected to form and lead the Division's Aero Rifle Platoon. This unit, part of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, had a critical task as the eyes and ears of the "Big Red One." He participated in over 100 assault missions and "turned his unit into the most competitive rifle platoon in the division." On his last mission, after rescuing two of his wounded men, he was killed by enemy fire.
In his last letter, received after his death, he wrote that he had volunteered for a six month extension in Vietnam to serve with the 101st Airborne Division. One of his reasons: "My country has invested a great deal in me as a soldier. I should like to repay that investment by accomplishing that for which I have been trained, in addition to testing the effectiveness of that training."
Subsequently, we learned more about Tom's soldiering from his citations and awards, his posthumous promotion to captain, after-action reports, and letters from his fellow officers. His squadron commander stated, "Tom's influence extended much further than on the battlefield. His deep, personal interest in his men and in his fellow officers was inspiring. He was completely dedicated to his country and to his fellow soldiers. No matter what the mission or how difficult the task, Tom performed it in an outstanding manner."
A letter from the USMA Superintendent said: "One almost never sees as much ability and promise in one youngster. His future was limitless...and it still is, both in the direct sense of our faith and in the indirect sense of his tremendous influence for good on so many others."
Perhaps he lives on in some of the memorials dedicated to his name: a Boy Scout camp site in Nebraska; a street in San Diego; the Hayes Gym at West Point; and the Hayes Hall at the Army Engineer Center (Fort Leonard Wood).
Tom was unmarried. He is survived by his parents, MG and Mrs. Thomas J. Hayes III of San Francisco; his two sisters, Mary Helen Attride and Barbara Jean Beddow; many memories; and his name on the Vietnam Memorial with thousands of others.
Decorations include two Silver Stars and four Bronze Star Medals for heroism.
From classmate Frank Cosentino: Fifty four years ago , I walked into a room in the Lost Fifties to meet my new roommate. He wasn't particularly imposing from a physical standpoint, and was somewhat reticent in his greeting. We could not have been more polar opposite in background and personal priorities. And yet, over the course of that semester and the ensuing year spent together in I-2, I had the privilege of learning to admire, respect and love, yes I said love, Thomas J Hayes IV for the myriad of qualities he possessed.
Tom played the guitar, and even taught me how to strum a few songs. I loved listening to rock n roll, and Tom would put on show tunes. Tom flourished at academics, I loved rock n roll. Even after we were separated by the change of companies, we remained very close friends. Tom invited me to his family's home for dinner and although scared to death of his dad, which Tom thought was hilarious, I had a great evening.
My last conversation with Tom was in Central Area, after the graduation parade. We just happened to run into each other, exchanged a handshake and a hug and I told him the following:
" you know Tom, if it weren't for me you wouldn't have finished so high in class rank." He looked at me with a great big smile and said " you're right, I would have finished higher!" We wished each other the best of luck and went our separate ways. Whatever he may have wanted to do, he would have been the best.
I cried when I heard he had been killed.
Rest in peace Brother.
From classmate Rees Barksdale: Speaking of TOM's guitar playing, about the only thing I ever taught TOM was at the start of cow year, when we were in different companies and "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals, was very popular. Either before or after church, I told him I knew the chords; he came to my room that day after church or lunch and learned them.
And, speaking of show tunes, early during second semester of plebe year, he and I did a skit with the music from "West Side Story" to get a fall-out at dinner. TOMMY SMITH was the other plebe/participant; I think we got the fall-out very quickly because the table commandant--believe it was our company commander, DENNY LEACH, heavyweight champ in brigade boxing and coach of our brigade champion intramural boxing team (including me at 147 pounds; TOM ZURLA, heavyweight; TOMMY SMITH, 178 pounds; lefty TOM BEASLEY, 165)--was so embarrassed for TOMMY SMITH when he sang.
One of my last vivid memories at WEST POINT of TOM was when our firstie academic year began and the team came in from two-a-days at Buckner; I went by the "wheel house" to congratulate him on being brigade adjutant. Being the wonderful competitor and leader that he was, he told me he was disappointed, because he'd been promised a regimental command in either the second or fourth regiment. But, I always felt the commandant, etc., felt TOM was needed in that very important brigade position.
Finally, the last time I saw him was at the end of RANGER 3; JIM PEAKE had been his Ranger buddy an we were turning in our equipment. TOM was seriously questioning being in the engineers, like his Father and Grandfather, both generals and WP grads, as opposed to the infantry. Thus, I was not surprised when, while in RVN when he was killed in April '68, I heard he'd been leading an infantry unit. Again, a great soldier.
TOM had an appointment to enter in '61, but decided to re-think it and went to Duke. There, during his freshman year, he decided he did want to attend WEST POINT. One of the most vivid examples I know of THE LONG GRAY LINE and DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY is found in the side-by-side graves of TOM, his Father, and Grandfather.
West Point AOG Memorial Page: http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26090/
∼USMA Class of 1966.
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