[1] Following graduation from West Point Hayes obtained a master's degree in civil engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

[1] At the outbreak of World War II he was overseeing the construction of Bluie West Eight air base in Greenland.

He served as assistant to the Chief of Engineers for NASA Support and was involved in the construction of facilities at the Kennedy Space Center.

[2] During the buildup of U.S. forces to meet the demands of the Vietnam War and the consequential demand for support services and infrastructure in South Vietnam, Hayes noted that "supporting units seem to bear more than their share of losses as a nation progressively reduces its Armed Forces in the years between wars".

His son, Thomas J. Hayes IV, was killed in action in South Vietnam on 17 April 1968 while serving with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment.