John Hays '36 in the Lucky Bag: ""Two gun," after getting the old sea urge, left Oklahoma, land of Indians, oilwells, and wrestlers, and packed up for Annapolis. After his arrival, it didn't take long for Jack to get established in this new type of life, although he has never forgotten the old. During the winter months, when so many join the radiator club, the Kid may be found in the wrestling loft. In the spring, Jack may be seen in drill dress heading for the riding stables. One can never tell as to Jack's academic abilities, as he visits all sections from first to anchor. He is far from being wooden, however, and always keep well above the old 2.5. Whether on the sea, in the big city, or on the plains, we know Jack will be a success and will be a real friend to all."
John served the first several years of his career aboard USS Oklahoma (BB 37), then finished out the 1930s aboard a series of destroyers.
Sometime in late 1940 or early 1941 he was transferred to USS Asheville (PG 21). This valiant ship of barely 1,500 tons was sailing alone on March 3, 1942, attempting to reach Australia when she was spotted, attacked, and sunk south of Java by a Japanese surface force of a heavy cruiser and two destroyers. Only one man aboard was known to have survived the sinking.
John's mother was listed as next of kin. He has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_W._HAYS,_LTJG,_USN