CPT Paul T. Hayes

Captain (CPT) Paul Thomas Hayes of 326th Medical Company, 101st Airborne Division, was born in Sandwich, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, to George and Mary (McDermott) Hayes on May 3, 1909. He had two brothers, George and John Hayes. His brother John also served during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. 

Paul was married to Marie McDonough in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday, July 16, 1938. Their marriage was blessed with four children: three boys, Paul T. Jr., David L., Richard M., and one girl, Patricia. 

Paul Hayes attended Ipswich High School in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He was also a graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and Tufts College Medical School in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. After his graduation he worked for six years as a practicing physician at several hospitals. Additionally, he interned at Worcester Memorial Hospital, Maine General Hospital in Portland, and State Hospital in Westfield, Massachusetts. His last position before entering the service was as a member of the staff at Milford Hospital, Connecticut. 

CPT Hayes enlisted in the Army Medical Corps on January 28, 1944, and was sent overseas to England in July 1944. Hayes would be assigned to the 326th Medical Company and serve with the company throughout the war. 

On October 12, 1945, his wife received a telegram from the War Department stating her husband had died from a gunshot wound in France. No information is available if the gunshot was an accident, self-inflicted, or a homicide.

Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

CPT Hayes was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery Champigneul, France. He rests eternally at Plot A, Row 39, Grave 32 of the American War Cemetery Epinal, France.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Paul. 

Lest we forget. 🇺🇸

Sources

• Find a Grave, Paul Thomas Hayes
• Fields of Honor Database
• The Evening Gazette; (Worcester, Massachusetts); Friday, October 12, 1945 (Courtesy of Judy Cahoon Egan)
• Worcester Telegram (Worcester, Massachusetts); Saturday, October 13, 1945 (Courtesy of Judy Cahoon Egan)