Roy Orestus Hale, Jr.

Infobox Military Person
name = Roy Orestus Hale, Jr.
born = 10 May 1916
died = May 1942
placeofbirth = Monroe, Louisiana
placeofdeath = Coral Sea


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1938–1942
rank = lieutenant (junior grade)
branch = United States Navy
unit = " Lexington " (CV-2)
battles = 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.

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.

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."

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.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/r9/roy_o_hale.htm Roy Orestus Hale, Jr.]