b. 20/07/1832 Brigus, Newfoundland, Canada. d. 28/01/1911 Blairstown, Iowa.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 19/06/1864 off Cherbourg, France.
John Hayes MOH
Hayes was born in the Colony of Newfoundland, but left his home at an early age to work on British and American merchant vessels in the years leading up to the Civil War. He joined the United States Navy in December 1861. He served throughout the Civil War and was discharged in August 1868.
Later in 1868, Hayes moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served on several ships that sailed the Great Lakes. He soon abandoned his naval lifestyle and settled down on a farm in Wisconsin and married. Near the end of his life, Hayes moved to Blairstown, Iowa, to be near his daughter. He died in January 1911.
MOH CITATION:
Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as second captain of the No. 2 gun during the bitter engagement, Hayes exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by the divisional officer.
BURIAL LOCATION: PLEASANT HILL CEMETERY, BLAIRSTOWN, IOWA.
BLOCK 10, LOT 4.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
