Paul was home on leave when the bombing of
Pearl Harbor occurred,
and he was called into active duty.
Paul served  aboard 2 ships in his Navy career,
a four stacker destroyer, The U.S.S. Elliott,
and a carrier escort ship the U.S.S. Barnes.
Paul patrolled the Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands,
where his ship was a target of two unsuccessful torpedoes!
One went fore, and the other aft!
Paul had many stories to tell of his experience in
 The Pacific theater,
but he was always modest in telling of his bravery,
but not in his devotion to his country.
Paul Hayes was a true patriot in every sense of the word.
He loved his country and he loved his countries symbol,
The American Flag.
Being a member of Post #553, he held many offices.
One being most proud of was acting commander.
He started a few traditions for our post,
The "Avenue of the Flags"
where the flags of deceased Veterans are flown,
and "The Four Chaplains Day Celebration".
Paul wrote for the American Legion paper
and was always honoring past Veterans by hospital visits,
and for their funeral services.
As the daughter to Paul Hayes,
I can tell you that The Fourth of July
 was always elaborately celebrated!
It was a day held in very high regard in our home,
 and all of us still carry that devotion with us.
Like many other Veterans, who helped keep this country free,
His spirit is to be held up, emulated and honored  by all Americans.
Truly Paul Hayes understood Patriotism and practiced it all
through his life time.
Paul Edward Hayes November 29, 1915-March 20, 2001
Paul Edward Hayes