Grave markers for Wendell E. Hayes in Snyder Cemetery, Churchville (Lewis county), West Virginia.

Wendell registered for the draft in Tunnelton (Preston county), WV on 30 June 1942 and was inducted into the Army at Fort Hayes, Columbus, OH on 14 October 1942.

Pvt Hayes was transferred from the Reception Center, Fort Hayes, OH on 23 October 1942. to Company A, 508th PIR.

By September 1943, he was known as Cpl Hayes and on 10 November 1943 he was promoted to Sgt.

Sgt Hayes as captured o D-Day and was liberated from Stalag 3C when the war ended.

Wendell must have continued in the Army as his grave marker shows he attained the grade of 1st Sgt.

His military decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge awarded for action during Normandy, France Campaign from 6 June 44 and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device also awarded for participation in Normandy assault.