First Lieutenant George Price Hays was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions between July 14 and 15, 1918 near Greves Farm, France during World War I. At the time he was serving with 10th Field Artillery, 3d Division. Hays was 25 years old.
The medal was presented on March 17, 1919. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Hays was born on September 27, 1892 in Chee Foo, China — one of 2 recipients born in China. His Medal of Honor is credited to Okarche, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma. Hays died on September 7, 1978 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, at the age of 85. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Hays is one of 132 Medal of Honor recipients from World War I and one of 25 credited to Oklahoma.
Official Medal of Honor citation
At the very onset 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 French batteries, visiting their position so frequently that he was mainly responsible for the accurate fire therefrom. While thus engaged, seven 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
While thus engaged, seven horses were shot under him and he was severely wounded.
- Age at death: 85
- Resting place: Arlington National Cemetery
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I, World War II.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Oklahoma →
Timeline
- September 27, 1892Born in Chee Foo, China
- July 14 - 15, 1918Act of valor — near Greves Farm, FranceAge 25. 10th Field Artillery, 3d Division
- March 17, 1919Medal of Honor presented
- September 7, 1978Died in Pinehurst, North CarolinaAge 85.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Lieutenant General George Price Hays (September 27, 1892 – August 7, 1978) was a United States Army general who served during World War I and World War II. He earned the Medal of Honor as a young artillery officer during the Second Battle of the Marne in World War I. During World War II, he commanded the 10th Mountain Division in the last few months of the Italian Campaign.
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