Ronald J. Hays facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald J. Hays
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Admiral Ronald J. Hays
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| Nickname(s) | Happy |
| Born | August 19, 1928 Urania, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | January 11, 2021 (aged 92) Hawaii, U.S. |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1950–1988 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | United States Pacific Command Vice Chief of Naval Operations United States Naval Forces Europe Carrier Group Four Roosevelt Roads Naval Station VA-85 |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal (4) Silver Star (3) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (7) Bronze Star Medal |
Ronald Jackson Hays (born August 19, 1928 – died January 11, 2021) was a very important leader in the United States Navy. He was a four-star admiral, which is one of the highest ranks you can achieve. He served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1983 to 1985. Later, he became the Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Command from 1985 to 1988. This meant he was in charge of all U.S. military forces in the Pacific Ocean area.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Ronald Hays was born on August 19, 1928, in a small town called Urania, Louisiana. This town was mostly owned by one family, the Hardtners, because of their sawmill business. When he was in high school, Ronald, who was nicknamed "Happy," worked as a butcher's helper in the town's store.
Mr. Hardtner noticed how hardworking and bright "Happy" was. He helped Ronald get a special chance to attend the United States Naval Academy. This academy is a famous school where future Navy officers are trained.
Ronald Hays graduated from the Naval Academy in 1950. He first served on a destroyer ship for a year. After that, he started his training to become a Navy pilot. He became a skilled pilot and flew many missions.
He even served as a test pilot, trying out new aircraft. He also flew in two combat tours during the Vietnam War, flying a special all-weather attack plane called the A-6A Intruder. In 1969, he was sent to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to work for the Chief of Naval Operations.
Important Roles and Commands
From 1969 to 1988, Ronald Hays had many important jobs. He split his time between leading Navy aviation groups and managing resources at the Pentagon. Some of his key roles included:
- Commanding Officer of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico.
- Director of Navy Program Planning, where he helped plan future Navy projects.
- Commander of Carrier Group Four, leading a group of aircraft carriers.
- Deputy Commander in Chief of Atlantic Forces.
- Commander in Chief of United States Naval Forces Europe, leading Navy forces in Europe.
- Vice Chief of Naval Operations, one of the top leadership positions in the Navy.
- Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Command, where he led all U.S. military forces in the Pacific.
Admiral Hays retired from the military in October 1988. After his long and successful Navy career, he joined the business world. He served on the boards of several companies and also helped civic and non-profit groups. He also worked as a consultant for a large engineering company called Parsons Corporation.
Ronald Hays was always learning. He graduated from several advanced schools, including the Naval War College and the Test Pilot School. He also received an honorary degree, a Doctorate of Humanities, from Northwestern State University. In 2005, he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He was also honored as a Distinguished Eagle Scout.
Admiral Hays also played a big part in creating the Pacific Aviation Museum in historic Pearl Harbor, serving as its Chairman of the Board.
Awards and Recognition
Ronald Hays received many awards for his brave and dedicated service in the Navy. Some of his most notable awards include:
- The Navy Distinguished Service Medal (awarded four times), which is given for exceptionally outstanding service.
- The Silver Star (awarded three times), given for bravery in combat.
- The Legion of Merit, for exceptionally meritorious conduct.
- The Distinguished Flying Cross (awarded seven times), for heroism or extraordinary achievement while flying.
- The Bronze Star Medal, for heroic or meritorious achievement in a combat zone.
- The Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.
He also received special awards from the leaders of countries like Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Images for kids
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The Naval Aviator Badge, worn by U.S. Navy pilots.
