Specialist 4 Dennis Truman Hayworth was born on May 8, 1940, and was originally from Lenoir City, Tennessee. He married Margie Patten Massengill in 1961.
He served his country in the Vietnam War in the United States Army, as a military policeman in C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was a six-year veteran of the Army, and his tour in Vietnam began on December 19, 1965. On September 28, 1966, SP4 Hayworth was killed under hostile conditions in South Vietnam; he was 26 at the time of his death. SP4 Hayworth is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 11E, Line 25.
Dennis was a good man and spoke often of his home in Tennessee. I was in the field with him when he was killed. If I recall correctly, we found the sniper and neutralized the problem, but too late for my friend. RIP for all these long years and throughout eternity my friend. Until we meet again.
Dennis, you will not be forgotten as long as I live. I note that your son has now joined you in Heaven. God rest you both. You were a good man, a good friend, and a good mentor to a scared 18 year old kid in the jungle. I am 75 now but your memory is still fresh in my mind. At 26 you were one of the “old guys” in the platoon. Some day I hope to travel to Lenoir to meet your grand children.
–Submitted by Ted Bader
- Rank: Specialist 4th Class
- Date of birth: 8 May 1940
- Date of death: 28 September 1966
- County: Loudon
- Hometown: Lenoir City
- Service Branch: Army
- Division/Assignment: 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
- Conflict: Vietnam
- Burial/Memorial Location: Lenoir City Cemetery, Lenoir City, Loudon County, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XXIII, Bottom Panel
- Sponsored by: Ted L. Bader
