Hayes, John Eric
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Verified Master Sergeant John Eric Hayes, 36, of Middleburg, Florida, was a U.S. Marine killed in a hostile incident in Afghanistan on July 8, 2009.
Their Story
John Eric Hayes was a 36-year-old Marine from Middleburg, Florida. He served as a Master Sergeant with Company A, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Forward), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
On July 8, 2009, Hayes was killed in action in the vicinity of Forward Operating Base Fiddler's Green in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. According to U.S. military reports, he died from wounds sustained during a hostile engagement with enemy forces.
Hayes's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The summer of 2009 saw a major U.S. troop surge, with Marines conducting large-scale operations like Operation Khanjar in Helmand to clear Taliban strongholds.
His death was reported by the Department of Defense and noted in local Florida media. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal.
Master Sergeant Hayes was a reconnaissance Marine, a specialized role involving intelligence gathering and direct action. His unit, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, is part of the Marine Corps' elite forces.
Explore Further
Master Sergeant Hayes was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
