LCDR Hubert Hayter '24 came to the Naval Academy from Abingdon, Virginia; "Plebe year his ability to call the cows, pigs, chickens, etc., won him distinction and very frequently his melodious, well-trained voice resounded throughout the mess-hall."
Hubert was damage control officer aboard USS New Orleans (CA 32) and was lost on November 30, 1942 when that ship was heavily damaged at the Battle of Tassafaronga. "The Damage Control Officer on the New Orleans, Lieutenant Commander Hubert M. Hayter, and two of his men, Lieutenant Richard Haines '28 and Ensign Andrew L. Forman, remained at their damage control posts despite the fact that it was filling up with toxic fumes. These three brave men were eventually asphyxiated by the fumes and perished. The ship’s chaplain, Howell M. Forgy, later wrote about Hayter, 'I wondered what he thought about in those final minutes, but I knew one thing: he was not afraid.'"
Hubert was awarded the Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism and distinguished service."
He was survived by his wife, Maurene, two daughters, and a son. Hubert is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
To Honor!