Omega Mu Veteran: Stephen J. Hayward

Our Omega Mu veteran-brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy we can all be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. ​

Whether it was at San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always be grateful for the military service of every Omega Mu veteran from the Spanish-American War to the present. We thank you.

Omega Mu Veteran
Stephen J. Hayward,
1973

Military Career
​1966-1969

Stephen Hayward served in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam

 "Steve was field promoted from private to captain in the 101st Airborne. On his last mission, on June 21st, 1968, Steve was leading a helicopter assault and was shot out of the door before the helicopter landed. He was shot again on the ground and his jugular vein severed. He was fortunate enough to fall next to a medic who sutured him under fire. While his jugular was being sutured, he was shot again in the buttocks. He continued to command his troops, and he was the last man off the ground and was shot for the fourth time entering the helicopter before lift-off. They thought he wouldn't make it and even called his Dad, Col. Hayward (the "Bear") over to Nam to see him. Needless to say, the big guy survived. Thank God the big boy made it, and we all got to know one of the great ones while at Omega Mu. His nickname was “Bimbo” the baby elephant! In fact, there is a Bimbo burger on the menu at Pat’s in honor of Steve. Steve was my roommate my freshman year. Steve received numerous citations including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, and was he nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor." ​(Jim McLean, '72)

Steve receiving the Silver Star

​Omega Mu Years,
​1969-1973

"Three brothers in front: left to right are Paul Wood (no shirt), Stephen Hayward, Jim Hayes. 
Behind Stephen Hayward's right shoulder is Bob Meneally. In the middle, wearing glasses, looking at the camera in the white shirt is Fred Gallela, and behind him is Mike McInnis.  Behind McInnis's left shoulder is Ted Crowell. To the of Fred Gallela, wearing a V-neck sweater is Bob Van Dyke. To his left is John Duffy, who is looking to his right. To the left of John Duffy, hind in his pocket, is Jim McLean. Behind Jim, his left shoulder, is Bob Gandolfi. Third row, left side, wearing a light shirt and dark sunglasses looks like George Wiest. On the left edge of the photo, wearing a white belt, is Tom Richardson. Left rear, second from the back row, in white shirt with long blonde hair is Bob Duetsch. To his left is John Halloran, and behind Halloran could be Peter Stanwyck. On the right side of the photo, with the finger peace  symbol behind someone's head could be Jim Walsh. Behind his right shoulder, the brother with a great deal of hair, could be John Zinno." (Jim McLean, '72 )

"His nickname was “Bimbo” the baby elephant! In fact, there is a Bimbo burger on the menu at Pat’s in honor of Steve. Steve was my roommate my freshman year."  (Jim McLean, '72)

Jim McLean, first on the left, freshmen class president; senior portrait picture.

Steve Hayward and Jim McLean

“What if the space be long and wide,
That parts us from our brother’s side
A soul-joined chain unites our band,
And memory links us hand in hand.”
​(Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)

Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82
​Perge