Lieutenant Frank Kerr Hays was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.[1]
Frank Kerr Hays | |
---|---|
Born | Louisville, Kentucky, USA | November 3, 1896
Died | February 29, 1988 Monterey, California, USA | (aged 91)
Buried | Arlington National Cemetery |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Army Air Service |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | 13th Aero Squadron |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
Hays was born to Charles and Bertha (Snider) Hays on November 3, 1896, in Louisville, Kentucky. Hays was living in Chicago when he joined the U.S. Army Air Service.[2] He reported to the 13th Aero Squadron on August 29, 1918, at the age of 21. On September 13, he won his first three victories in a melee in which he continued his attack after his guns jammed. He cleared them in time to rescue his Flight Commander from enemy attack. The feat earned him a Distinguished Service Cross (which can be seen on his portrait photo).[3] Hays would score three more times, his last win coming one week before the armistice ended the war.[2]
Hays married Beulah Stevens on March 29, 1924, in Chicago. They had two children, Frank Jr. and Joyce.[4] Hays died on February 29, 1988, in Monterey, California.[5] He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[6]