Son of Mrs. Charles Watson and brother of 2 sisters. Graduated Colorado School of Mines in 1931 where he was prominent student who served in ROTC and worked as editor of Oredigger student newspaper and on Denver newspapers. Married Jane Sess of Denver, sister of Mines graduate and Australian Army quartermaster Ted Sess, and had children Hayes II and Marthie Jane. Went to Manila with family in 1934 to be mining editor of Manila Bulletin and to Baguio as managing editor of Baguio Bulletin, then editor and publisher of Philippine Mining Yearbook and editor of Marsman Magazine mining publication. Recalled to active duty in November 1940 as 1st Lieutenant in Army Intelligence Corps and family returned to Denver. After invasion fought on Bataan peninsula where he took sniper's bullet meant for Brig. Gen. James Weaver and was promoted to Captain. Captured at fall of Bataan and held in Bilibid prison camp. Placed on prison ship Oryoku Maru and survived sinking, helping other prisoners survive. Survived bombing of Enoura Maru at Takao harbor at Formosa and died on Brazil Maru en route to Moji, Japan. Awarded Silver Star and Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.