Charles Hayes was born 22 April 1924, in Jackson County, Kentucky. His parents are Walter R. & Priscilla “Pricie” (Lawson) Hayes, of near Caledonia, Ohio. Charles J. Hayes graduated from Martel High School, Class of 1942. Prior to entering service Charles Hayes was employed with farming.

Charles Hayes enlisted into the United States Marine Corps., on 10 April 1943. He attended training at San Diego, California; Norman, Oklahoma; Jacksonville, Florida; Edenton and Cherry Point, North Carolina. He was serving as a Sergeant with the Marines in Peiping, China. Among his Medals are the Asiatic Pacific and American Campaign ribbons, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Sgt. Charles Hayes became ill and died from cerebral meningitis at a hospital in Tientsin. His death occurred on 3 June 1946, and he was first buried with full military honors on 9 June 1946, at Tientsin American Legion Cemetery, China. Later his remains were returned to the United States aboard the U. S. A. T. Dalton Victory.

The remains of Sgt. Charles Hayes were laid to rest at New Caledonia Cemetery, Caledonia, Ohio, where military honors where performed by Caledonia Post 401, American Legion.

Charles Hayes is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; and on the World War Two Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.