Edwin Walter Hays was born on August 23, 1924, in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey. He was the son of Edwin Hays and Voyce Gesner Hays. He was married to Joan M. MacFall Hays. He graduated from Ridgewood High School and joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942. He served in the 335th Bomber Squadron, 95th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Tail Gunner of B-17G #42-31561 nicknamed "Just Elmer's Tune," during World War II.

On February 24, 1944, during its mission targeting Rostock, Germany, "Just Elmer's Tune" sustained significant damage from anti-aircraft flak, which struck engine number one and damaged the stabilizer. Unable to maintain formation, the aircraft fell behind and was further attacked by enemy fighters. The crew was forced to crash-land near Øster Højst, south of Løgumkloster, Denmark. Of the ten crew members, two were killed in action and the remaining eight crew members survived and were taken as prisoners of war.

SSgt Hays was captured by German forces and held as a prisoner of war for 15 months. After the war, he worked in the textile and printing industries. He also served as commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Garden State Chapter 1. Edwin died on February 3, 2007, and is now buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: b17flyingfortress.de, www.findagrave.com/