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name
HAYDEN, Paul E "Buddy" - Date of
birth
10 April 1923 -
Age
21 - Place of
birth
Fort Sam Houston, Bexar county, Texas -
Hometown
Washington, District of Columbia
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
20381299 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
HQ & HQ Company,
1st Battalion,
504th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
82nd Airborne Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
21 December 1944 - Place of
death
Cheneux, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | 47 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Henry E. Hayden (father)
Mary Hayden (mother)
Mary T. Hayden (sister)
Ruth C. Hayden (sister)
Regina C. Hayden (sister)
Eleen E. Hayden (sister)
More information
Pfc Paul Hayden joined the Air Corps of the Regular Army at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland on 28 June 1941. He was later transferred to the paratroopers.He served in North Africa, in Italy and participated in D-Day landing.
He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his action on 20 December 1944. The citation cited: Pvt Hayden was a member of an advance machine gun crew during an attack on this strongly defended town when the left flank assault company was held up by the fire from an enemy cannon and supporting machine gun elements. Casualties were becoming heavy when Pvt Hayden, realizing the seriousness of the situation, picked up his machine gun and rushed to a forward position in an effort to draw fire from his comrades engaged in a flanking movement. While engaged in this gallant and unselfish act, Pvt Hayden was killed. Due to his supreme sacrifice, his company was able to take advantage of the diversion he created in its flanking assault on the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
On one picture he poses with his sisters Mary and Ellen.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, WW2-Airborne.us, NARA, www.wwiimemorial.com
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Patricia Schreech Mungle, daughter of Paul's sister Mary Theresa Hayden Schreech - courtesy of Kathy McDermott