George Price Hays

On episode two hundred and eighty-five, the story of George Price Hays is told. All stories in March and April will be recipients from the World War 1. Be sure to visit our website for more information as the show goes on at: www.talesofhonorpodcast.com. Thanks for listening and be sure to share with friends and family!

Born in China on the 27th of September, 1892, George had parents that were missionaries and returned to the States to raise him in El Reno, Oklahoma. He went on to attend, what is now, Oklahoma State University, which he left in order to join the US Army. George received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1917 and he deployed to Europe in support of World War 1. He was in France, serving as a First Lieutenant with the 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Division, when his actions during the Second Battle of the Marne would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

At the very outset of the unprecedented artillery bombardment by the enemy, his line of communication was destroyed beyond repair. Despite the hazard attached to the mission of runner, he immediately set out to establish contact with the neighboring post of command and further establish liaison with 2 French batteries, visiting their position so frequently that he was mainly responsible for the accurate fire therefrom. While thus engaged, 7 horses were shot under him and he was severely wounded. His activity under most severe fire was an important factor in checking the advance of the enemy.

George had rode horses between the French batteries and his command post for the second half of the 14th of July, 1918, and into the next day, contributing to the halt of the Germans. He received the Medal of Honor the following year and remained in the Army, going on to serve in World War 2. George was the commander of the 99th Field Artillery and participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino, commanded the 2nd Infantry Division's artillery during the Invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach, and commanded the 10th Mountain Division in Italy during the Italian Spring Offensive. After World War 2, George became the High Commissioner for the US Occupation Zone in Germany and then was in charge of the occupation forces in Austria in 1952. The following year, George retired from the Army as a Lieutenant General after thirty-six years of service. George Price Hays died at the age of 85 on the 7th of August, 1978, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery: Section 11, Site 540-2.