Roy Orestus Hale, Jr.
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| Roy Orestus Hale, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| 10 May 1916 – May 1942 | |
| Place of birth | Monroe, Louisiana |
| Place of death | Coral Sea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1938–1942 |
| Rank | lieutenant (junior grade) |
| Unit | Lexington (CV-2) |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Coral Sea |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Roy Orestus Hale, Jr., born on 10 May 1916 in Monroe, Louisiana, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned ensign on 2 June 1938.
Contents |
[edit] Navy career
After a year at sea, Hale underwent aviation training at Pensacola, Florida, Miami, Florida, and San Diego, California, and on 21 June 1941, joined Scouting Squadron 2 on board USS Lexington (CV-2). Promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) in October, he remained on board that carrier after the United States entered World War II.
[edit] Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
He participated in the Pacific raids of February and March 1942 and flew his scout plane in the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7-8 May. Failing to return from that mission, Hale was presumed killed in action and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial combat and his " ... courageous determination and aggressiveness ... attacking enemy aircraft in spite of fierce fighter opposition."
[edit] Namesake
USS Roy O. Hale (DE-336) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down on 13 September 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched 20 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Roy O. Hale, mother of Lieutenant (junior grade) Hale; and commissioned on 3 February 1944, Lt. Comdr. William W. Bowie, USNR, in command.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
