Obituary for
Albert Eugene Hayden
CEM Albert Eugene "Rouch" Hayden, born and raised in St. Mary's County, Albert Eugene "Roach" Hayden was the beloved son of Emma Trice Hayden and James Dolor Hayden, Sr. It was said he had great teachers in his daily life and at school, esp. Leonard Hall Junior Naval School, where he felt the knowledge he gained there enabled him to be his best throughout life.
CEM Hayden was a loyal worker in the only employment he ever had or wanted, serving our nation by being a Sailor in the United States Navy. During his 24+ years he served on some notable ships; The USS Lexington, USS Pennsylvania and USS Oklahoma. The latter being his station in Pearl Harbor, which on that infamous Sunday morning was docked in the outer position of Battleship Row. Just before 8 am, nine torpedoes slammed into the mighty vessel, spreading terror and rage into everyone within hearing distance. Our forces rushed into action fighting their way through the utter chaos caused by the surprise attack. Chief Hayden and most of the Sailors and Marines aboard The Oklahoma gave their life for us. The Oklahoma sank within 15 minutes. Life Magazine listed CEM Hayden as the 1st Marylander to perish in WWII.
For 74 years CEM Hayden was one of the "Unknowns" from the Oklahoma, who remained in the National Cemetery in Hawaii. The Defense Dept., POW/MIA Agency, put modern forensics to the task and identified his remains.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 12:30 PM in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with Father Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
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