AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Korea
MODEL:  F9F-5 Panther

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Jet Fighter Plane attached to Fighter Squadron Fifty One, based on board the U.S.S. Valley Forge, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 April 1953. Leading a four-plane flight in a strike against a camouflaged and heavily defended enemy troop billeting and supply area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hayward skillfully directed a series of well-coordinated attacks in the face of intense and accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire, personally destroying eight buildings and damaging five others. Subsequently, when the division proceeded on an armed reconnaissance of the Majon-ni-Wonsan supply route, expending their remaining ordnance on camouflaged trucking shelters, he personally destroyed two additional buildings and damaged three others. By his superb airmanship, courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hayward contributed materially to the reduction of the enemy's war-making potential and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.