Turner Hay also served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, and took part in the battles at Olustee and Natural Bridge.

[9] Hay was fluent in Spanish, both spoken and written, which enabled him to effectively reorganize and administer the wharves, warehouses, and offices under his jurisdiction.

As was the case with the 93rd Division, the 92nd fought primarily in French sectors, since American and British senior commanders did not want these segregated units fighting in proximity to organizations composed of white soldiers.

Despite his success at leading black troops in combat, Hay supposedly expressed a low opinion of African-American soldiers, and argued against allowing them to attend officer training or serve in leadership roles.

[21] From April to June, 1919 Hay commanded the Intermediate Section of the Army's Services of Supply, afterwards returning to the United States.

[25] In July, 1920 he reverted to his permanent rank of colonel and was assigned as inspector general of the American Forces in Germany, with headquarters at Koblenz.

[26] In May, 1921 he was assigned as chief of staff of the American Forces in Germany, where he remained until his 1922 promotion to permanent brigadier general and command of the 1st Cavalry Brigade at Camp Harry J. Jones, near Douglas, Arizona.

[29][30] After a year convalescing from his injuries, from 1926 to 1939 Hay was superintendent of Camp Smith, the New York National Guard's training site.

He died in Glen Cove, New York, on December 17, 1946, and was buried at the United States Military Academy Cemetery, Section 8K, Site 123.