John Richard Hayes
John Richard Hayes
Years of Service:
12
Highest Rank:
O-3
Medals & Awards:
Career Highlights:
CAPTAIN JOHN RICHARD HAYES, JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
John Richard Hayes, Jr., affectionately known as "Gator" to his classmates and peers, was a proud native of Louisiana. Born on September 12, 1936, he brought the warm brightness of the Louisiana sun and the resilient strength of an alligator to the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the historic Class of 1959. Entering the newly established academy, John was assigned to Cadet Squadron 08, where his vibrant smile and enduring camaraderie left a lasting impression on his fellow cadets.
Following his graduation in June 1959, John entered the pilot training pipeline, completing his instruction from 1959 to 1960 across Bartow Air Base and Webb Air Force Base. He earned his wings and went on to serve as an operational pilot during a pivotal era of strategic military aviation. Between 1961 and 1964, John flew with the 547th Bomb Squadron out of Little Rock Air Force Base. He transitioned into flying the massive B-52 Stratofortress, serving with the 346th Bomb Squadron at Westover Air Force Base until 1967. Throughout his time in active duty, John successfully operated both B-47 and B-52 strategic bombers.
In 1967, after reaching the rank of Captain (O-3), John transitioned from active service to the private aviation sector. He relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where he built a civilian career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) serving as a flight engineer. Alongside his commercial career, he continued to fulfill his military commitment as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR).
John spent his later years in Missouri with his beloved wife, Myleen. Tragically, John passed away due to medical complications from leukemia on January 2, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is fondly remembered by the legacy of the Class of 1959 for his strength, devotion to country, and infectious joy.
EDUCATION
* B.S., United States Air Force Academy (Class of 1959)
* Pilot Training, Bartow Air Base / Webb Air Force Base (1959–1960)
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
* 1959–1960: Pilot Training, Bartow AB / Webb AFB
* 1961–1964: Pilot, 547th Bomb Squadron, Little Rock AFB
* 1964–1967: B-52 Pilot, 346th Bomb Squadron, Westover AFB
* 1967: Trans World Airlines (TWA), Kansas City, MO / USAFR
