David Ephraim Hayden

On 15 September 1918, under intense German machine-gun fire at Thiaucourt, France, U.S. Navy Hospital Apprentice First Class David Ephraim Hayden ran into an exposed field to help a mortally wounded Marine. He dressed the wound under fire and carried Corporal Carlos D. Creed to safety. Although Creed later died from his injuries, Hayden's extraordinary courage earned him the Medal of Honor and established his place among the most distinguished American naval medical heroes of the First World War.

Born on 2 October 1897 in Florence, Texas, Hayden enlisted in the United States Navy in 1917 and received medical training in San Diego, California, and Quantico, Virginia. He subsequently served with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, as part of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front. His responsibilities placed him close to the front lines, where Navy medical personnel provided lifesaving treatment and evacuated wounded Marines under enemy fire.

During the Saint-Mihiel offensive in September 1918, Hayden and three other Navy hospital corpsmen were ordered to establish an advanced aid station in Xammes, France. Despite machine-gun fire and exploding shells, they reached the town and established the medical station. On 15 September, Hayden performed the extraordinary act that would define his military career. When Corporal Creed was mortally wounded while crossing an open field swept by machine-gun fire, Hayden immediately rushed to his assistance, treated his wounds under intense enemy fire, and carried him back to safety.

For this action, Hayden received the Medal of Honor. His gallantry was also recognized through 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 64 in 1919, which authorized a silver star on the ribbon of his World War I Victory Medal. This recognition is associated with his Silver Star. His other documented personal decorations included the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra and Portuguese Cruz de Guerra.

Hayden left the Navy in July 1920 with the rank of Pharmacist's Mate Third Class. Following his military service, he devoted 34 years to public service as a deputy United States marshal before retiring. His life reflected the same dedication to duty, compassion and courage that had distinguished his service in France.

David Ephraim Hayden died on 18 March 1974 at the age of 76. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. His legacy remains an enduring example of the courage of Navy hospital corpsmen who served alongside American Marines during the First World War.