Donald L. Hayes was born on October 6, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served in the 1st Ranger Battalion, as a Private First Class during World War II. While preparing for the Dieppe Raid, he was transferred to a hospital in England on August 7, 1942, for emergency surgery. He returned to duty in September 1942. Hayes was transferred to Company C, 3rd Ranger Battalion, and promoted to Technician 5th Grade. Hayes was seriously wounded before the Battle at Cisterna and was rotated home. After his recovery, he trained Rangers in hand-to-hand combat. Donald finished his service as a Sergeant. Hayes died on October 2, 1980, and is now buried in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Riverside County, California, USA.

Source of information and photo: wwiirangers.org