Edwin Walter Hays - '42

Edwin Walter Hays graduated from Ridgewood High School as a member of the Class of 1942. He excelled as an athlete on the gridiron and baseball diamond. Edwin joined the U.S. Army Air Corps four months after graduating from Ridgewood High School. After receiving his training, he was sent to England where he joined the 95th Bomb Group of the Army's 8th Air Force. Edwin was the tail gunner of the B-17 flying fortress named "Just Elmer's Tune." His plane was shot down by Germans on February 24, 1944, and Edwin became a prisoner of war and was taken to Stalag Luft 6 in East Prussia. On May 13, 1945, Edwin and his comrades were released and transported back to the United States. Edwin Hays is a Ridgewood hero. His courage and perseverance serve as an extraordinary role model for our students. Many call him the All American Boy who provided us with a lesson in courage. Inducted 2008.

CLASS YEAR

1942

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