Korean War
| Service # | 506261 |
|---|---|
| Unit | 54 FITRON |
| Rank | Lieutenant Junior Grade U.S. Navy |
| Date of Death | November 27 1951 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Air Medal
Combat Action Ribbon (Navy)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Junior Grade Hale was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Lieutenant Junior Grade Hale was the pilot of a AD-4L Skyraider Dive Bomber with Fighter Squadron 54 aboard the carrier USS ESSEX (CV-9). On November 27, 1951, a 250 pound bomb became armed while attached to his aircraft. His attempt to jettison it was unsuccessful. He bailed out over the ocean. After hitting the water he dropped out of sight. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.