Sons of Men - Evansville's War Record
Gold Star Biographies
[Home] [Previous Soldier] [Next Soldier]

William J. Hayden Aerial Gunner, 182nd Aero Squadron June 13, 1895 - September 6, 1918

   William J. Hayden could well say with Allen Seeger to those
who did not see the significance of the world conflict, "and you
in the depth of your easy chair-what did you do? What did you care?"

   Fortunately, there were few who led a life of ease when America
was straining every fiber to check the onslaught of Prussian brutality.
William Hayden did not wait to be called. He closed his books,
abandoned his career as a student and offered himself for the cause.

   William J. Hayden was born in Evansville, June 13, 1895. He attended
Chestnut Street School, and went to the local high school until he was
in 11-B grade, when he entered the service. Before that he had been
three years out of school working in a grocery.

   On December 13, 1917 he enlisted as a chauffeur in the Aviation
Corps. His first training station was at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis.
There he was assigned to 182nd Aero Service Squadron. Two months
later he was sent to Battle Creek, Mich., where he remained for three
months when he was transferred to Taliaferro Field, Ft. Worth, Texas.
At this camp he was promoted from chauffeur to aerial gunner. In
April, 1918, he sailed for overseas duty. In France he was in training
for a flyer's commission.

   On September 6, 1918, he was killed in an aeroplane accident at
Le Mans, France. His body was laid to rest at this place.  William
Hayden was a member of the Assumption Church  He was the second
member of the Y.M.C.A. to give his life for his country.  He will
long be remembered for his earnestness of purpose in life and ambition
for an education.
_____

Sons of Men: Evansville's War Record,
Compiled by Heiman Blatt,
Published by Abe P. Madison, 1920
pp83-84.

cdmyers@wowway.com
October 25, 1998