Thomas J. Hayes III

Thomas Jay Hayes III (August 26, 1914 – March 16, 2004) was a United States Army Major General.

Early life and education Hayes started at West Point in 1932, graduating as a Second Lieutenant in 1936.

Military service Following graduation from West Point, Hayes obtained a master's degree in civil engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He attended the Engineer School and was then posted to the 20th Engineer Regiment at Fort Benning.

During the buildup of U.S. forces to meet the demands of the Vietnam War and the consequential demand for support services and infrastructure in South Vietnam, Hayes noted that "supporting units seem to bear more than their share of losses as a nation progressively reduces its Armed Forces in the years between wars".

Hayes served as commander of the South Atlantic Division from 1967 until his retirement in 1969.

Later life Hayes retired from the Army in August 1969.

Personal life Hayes married Jean Pedley in 1942 in Nassau. They had two daughters and a son. His son, Thomas J. Hayes IV, was killed in action in South Vietnam on 17 April 1968 while serving with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment.