05/28/2026
It is with profound sadness and the deepest respect that the 1st Marine Division Association announces the passing of Colonel Leonard C. Hayes, United States Marine Corps (Retired).
We received word today from Len's wife Lynne and Major Bill Mimiaga of the Colonel's passing. On behalf of the entire FMDA family, every Marine, Corpsman, spouse, and family member of the Old Breed, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.
Colonel Hayes was, in every sense of the word, a Marine's Marine.
His service to this nation began in Vietnam, where as a First Lieutenant commanding Company D, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, he demonstrated the kind of courage under fire that defines the finest officers this Corps has ever produced. On July 17, 1965, near the village of La Chau in Quang Nam Province, Lieutenant Hayes led a two-platoon combat patrol into a well-entrenched Viet Cong force of company size. Under withering fire including .50 caliber machine guns and 60mm mortars, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties through not one but two minefield explosions, reorganized his forces, maneuvered his platoon to seize critical terrain, and called in counter-mortar fire, artillery, and air strikes that silenced the enemy and allowed his Marines to complete their mission.
For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, moving in the open from position to position under intense fire, reorganizing his forces, and leading the attack through a village complex while receiving enemy fire from four directions, Colonel Hayes was awarded the Silver Star.
That was who Len Hayes was. Not just on July 17, 1965 but every day of his life.
After a distinguished career that carried him from Vietnam to the rank of Colonel and on to serve with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Len Hayes continued to serve. Beginning around 2006, he devoted himself to this Association as Executive Director of the 1st Marine Division Association. For years, he was the steady hand, the quiet force, and the faithful servant who kept this organization strong and moving forward. He didn't stop being a Marine when he hung up the uniform. He brought that same discipline, loyalty, and love for his fellow Marines to every day he served this Association.
To those of us who knew him personally, who sat with him at reunions, worked alongside him, or simply felt the warmth of his presence, today is a day of real grief. He gave so much of himself to this family.
Len's legacy is woven permanently into the fabric of this organization and the lives of every Marine and family he touched. We will not forget him.
Should funeral or memorial service arrangements be announced, we hope to have a fitting and noted presence to honor Colonel Hayes as he deserves. We will share that information with our members as it becomes available.
Rest easy, Colonel. The watch is yours no more. Semper Fidelis.
