World War I U.S. Army Military Figure. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1894, studied law was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He also served in the Nebraska Volunteer Infantry Regiment, of the Nebraska National Guard, rising to the rank of Colonel in 1901. He served as an Otoe County judge, (1901-02) and moving to New York, he became Assistant District Attorney of New York County, serving (1913-14). With the advent of World War I, New York Governor Charles S. Whitman appointed Hayward Colonel of the 15th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard. In post he organized and commanded the first African-American U.S. Army's 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters”. Deployed to actions in France, the 369th spent 191 days in front line trenches, more than any other American unit and suffered the most losses of any American regiment with 1,500 casualties. Under Colonel Hayward’s command and despite severe losses, the 369th turned in a good account in heavy fighting, capturing important villages, advanced faster than French troops and became the first Allied unit to reach the Rhine River. The 369th for its service was presented with the French Croix de Guerre for gallantry, plus American decorations to include numerous Distinguished Services Crosses and two Medal of Honor awards. When Colonel Hayward and the 369th Infantry Regiment returned to the U.S., they received a hero’s welcome. They were the first unit to march up Fifth Avenue from the Washington Square Park Arch to their armory in Harlem, Hayward led the parade and their unit was placed on the permanent list with other veteran units. After the war, President Harding appointed Hayward U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, serving until 1925 and after leaving office he practiced law and served as general counsel to the new American Professional Football League.
World War I U.S. Army Military Figure. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1894, studied law was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He also served in the Nebraska Volunteer Infantry Regiment, of the Nebraska National Guard, rising to the rank of Colonel in 1901. He served as an Otoe County judge, (1901-02) and moving to New York, he became Assistant District Attorney of New York County, serving (1913-14). With the advent of World War I, New York Governor Charles S. Whitman appointed Hayward Colonel of the 15th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard. In post he organized and commanded the first African-American U.S. Army's 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters”. Deployed to actions in France, the 369th spent 191 days in front line trenches, more than any other American unit and suffered the most losses of any American regiment with 1,500 casualties. Under Colonel Hayward’s command and despite severe losses, the 369th turned in a good account in heavy fighting, capturing important villages, advanced faster than French troops and became the first Allied unit to reach the Rhine River. The 369th for its service was presented with the French Croix de Guerre for gallantry, plus American decorations to include numerous Distinguished Services Crosses and two Medal of Honor awards. When Colonel Hayward and the 369th Infantry Regiment returned to the U.S., they received a hero’s welcome. They were the first unit to march up Fifth Avenue from the Washington Square Park Arch to their armory in Harlem, Hayward led the parade and their unit was placed on the permanent list with other veteran units. After the war, President Harding appointed Hayward U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, serving until 1925 and after leaving office he practiced law and served as general counsel to the new American Professional Football League.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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