Medal of Honor: George Price Hays– World War I, July 15, 1918

Name: George Price Hays
Rank: First Lieutenant
Conflict: World War I
Unit: 10th Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Date of Action: July 14–15, 1918
Location: Near Greves Farm, France

Summary of Action:
During the Second Battle of the Marne—the last great German offensive of World War I—First Lieutenant George Price Hays found himself in the midst of chaos as the enemy launched a massive artillery barrage across the Marne River near Greves Farm. As shells rained down and communications lines were obliterated, Hays’ artillery unit was cut off from command.

Knowing the consequences of blind artillery support in the middle of a fast-moving battle, Lt. Hays took it upon himself to act. In an era before radios were common in the field, runners were the only link between units—and Hays became one of them. Braving constant shellfire, he rode on horseback through no-man’s land, establishing contact with neighboring American and French units. Again and again, he galloped through the storm—seven horses were shot out from under him before he was finally wounded.

Yet he refused to stop. His relentless efforts allowed American artillery to keep firing with devastating accuracy. That coordination—between French batteries, American guns, and infantry forces—played a key role in blunting the German advance, halting what had once seemed like an unstoppable push toward Paris.

His courage under fire and sheer refusal to quit made Lt. Hays a legend among his peers. But his story did not end in France.

Hays remained in the Army, rising through the ranks over the next three decades. During World War II, he commanded the 10th Mountain Division, leading its men through the rugged Italian Alps during the final campaigns in Europe. By war’s end, he had earned the rank of Major General, and later served as Commander of U.S. Forces in Austria during the postwar occupation.

George Price Hays, who once rode through gunfire with seven horses shot out from under him, lived to become one of the U.S. Army’s most accomplished generals—a living link between two world wars and a shining example of American battlefield valor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
At the very outset of the unprecedented artillery bombardment by the enemy, his line of communication was destroyed beyond repair. Despite the hazard attached to the mission of runner, he immediately set out to establish contact with the neighboring post of command and further establish liaison with 2 French batteries, visiting their position so frequently that he was mainly responsible for the accurate fire therefrom. While thus engaged, 7 horses were shot under him and he was severely wounded. His activity under most severe fire was an important factor in checking the advance of the enemy.