Woody Hayes with a group of fellow officers on board the USS Rinehart during World War II, ca. 1945. Hayes enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1941, and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Commander during World War II. He commanded PC 1251 in the Palau Islands invasion and the destroyer-escort USS Rinehart in both the Atlantic and Pacific operations. -- USS Rinehart (DE 196) Commanding Officer: LCdr. Wayne Woodrow Hayes, USNR: 28 Sep 1945 - 04 Jun 1946. Woody also commanded the destroyer-escort USS Rinehart in both Atlantic and Pacific operations, with a crew of 15 officers and 201 enlisted. - Yes, Woody is known for his coaching, but many do not know of his military service during World War II. Woody enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1941, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He asked for active duty and served his country for five years. Woody could have stayed at Naval Station Great Lakes outside Chicago for the whole war, but he volunteered for sea duty.