John Frederick Hay from Texarkana, AR joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1957, later serving in the Texas National Guard during the Berlin crisis. He had over ten years of enlisted service and more than 21 years as a commissioned infantry officer. His awards include the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for valor), and six Army Commendation Medals (two for valor). Hay's assignments ranged from infantry to special forces, intelligence, and congressional affairs. In 1968, he earned a Purple Heart and another Silver Star in Vietnam as a Recon platoon leader, bravely directing fire against enemy positions under intense attack for nearly 24 hours. His leadership led to the repulsion of five enemy attacks and the discovery of fortified positions.