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During [[World War II]], Hall flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref>
During [[World War II]], Hall flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref>


On his eighth mission in [[World War II]]'s [[European Theater]]/[[Mediterranean Theater]] on July 2, 1943, Hall and his squadron escorted B-25 medium bombers on a raid on [[Castelvetrano]] in southwestern [[Sicily, Italy]].<ref> Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ </ref> Flying in a [[P-40]], Hall downed an enemy German [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]. Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot to obtain a victory against enemy aircraft.<ref> Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943 </ref> Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.<ref> Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ </ref> On XXXXX, General Dwight Eisenhower visited the 99th Fighter Squadron to congratulate Hall as he received the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref>
On his eighth mission in [[World War II]]'s [[European Theater]]/[[Mediterranean Theater]] on July 2, 1943, Hall and his squadron escorted B-25 medium bombers on a raid on [[Castelvetrano]] in southwestern [[Sicily, Italy]].<ref> Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ </ref> Flying in a [[P-40]], Hall downed an enemy German [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]. Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot to obtain a victory against enemy aircraft.<ref> Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943 </ref> Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.<ref> Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ </ref>

Hall earned the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]] for his valiant achievements.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> hall became an immediate star with the African American press. On July 10, 1943, [[Pittsburgh Courier]] war correspondent Edgar T. Rouzeau ran a lead that celebrated Hall’s July 2, 1943 aerial victory.<ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> The Courier‘s piece with a massive headline, “99th PILOT DOWNS NAZI PLANE”, featured editorial cartoonist Sam Milai's compelling cartoon depiction of Hall in his flight gear.<ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> Other African American publications including the Baltimore-based [[Afro-American]], the [[Chicago Defender]], the [[New York Amsterdam News]], the [[Atlanta Daily World]] ran similar leads highlighting Hall's exploits.<ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> General Dwight Eisenhower visited the 99th Fighter Squadron to congratulate Hall.


On January 27 and 28, 1944 in [[Anzio, Italy]], large formations of German FW 190s raided Anzio. The 99th Squadron downed eleven enemy German aircraft. Now a Captain, Hall downed two German FW 190s, raising his aerial victories to three.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> Hall was only one of Tuskegee Airmen with at least three confirmed kills during [[World War II]]:
On January 27 and 28, 1944 in [[Anzio, Italy]], large formations of German FW 190s raided Anzio. The 99th Squadron downed eleven enemy German aircraft. Now a Captain, Hall downed two German FW 190s, raising his aerial victories to three.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> Hall was only one of Tuskegee Airmen with at least three confirmed kills during [[World War II]]:
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* [[Harry T. Stewart]] Jr. - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
* [[Harry T. Stewart]] Jr. - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills


After World War II, Hall remained in the U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force until his retirement in XXXX with the rank of [[Major]].
After World War II, Hall remained in the U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force until his retirement in XXXX with the rank of [[Major]].


==Post-Military==
==Post-Military==

Revision as of 21:43, 22 July 2021

Charles B. Hall
Born
Charles Blakesly Hall

August 25, 1920
Brazil, Indiana, US
DiedNovember 22, 1971(1971-11-22) (aged 51)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
Resting placeSpencer, Oklahoma - Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1941–1965

Charles Blakesly Hall (August 25, 1920 - November 22, 1971) was a U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer and a highly decorated combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails".[1] He was one of the 1007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.[2]

On July 3, 1943 during a bomber escort mission to Castelvetrano, Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot ever to shoot down an enemy aircraft.[3] Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.[4] On XXXXX, General Dwight D. Eisenhower congratulated Hall as he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.[5] Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[6] Hall was also the first African American fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[7]

Early Life, Education, Family

Hall was born on August 25, 1920 at his parents home on 742 N. Columbia Street in rural Brazil, Indiana, Clay County.[8] [9] He was the son of Mississippi native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and Mississippi native Anna Blakesly Hall.[10]

Hall was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics and sports.[11] Hall attended Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sport and worked as a waiter.[12]

On December 14, 1942, Hall married Maxine Jessie Parish Hall, a stenographer, in Vigo County, Indiana. Though there are no documented information on Hall's marriage and likely divorce to Maxine, Hall later remarried Lola Delois Miles Hall (February 18, 1933 - August 7, 1997), an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma native. They had two children. They were married until Hall's death on November 22, 1971.[13][14]

Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

In 1941, Hall enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet, Serial number 0790457, at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence, Indiana.[15] [16] In 1942, the U.S. Army Air Corps sent Hall to Tuskegee, Alabama to attend Advanced Flight Cadet Training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield.[17] On July 3, 1942, Hall graduated from the program's fourth-ever Cadet Class Single Engine Section SE-42-F, earning his wings and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.[18] The U.S. Army Air Corps assigned Hall to the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron.[19] Hall was briefly assigned to the 324th Fighter Group.[20]

During World War II, Hall flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.[21]

On his eighth mission in World War II's European Theater/Mediterranean Theater on July 2, 1943, Hall and his squadron escorted B-25 medium bombers on a raid on Castelvetrano in southwestern Sicily, Italy.[22] Flying in a P-40, Hall downed an enemy German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger. Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot to obtain a victory against enemy aircraft.[23] Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.[24]

Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valiant achievements.[25] Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[26] hall became an immediate star with the African American press. On July 10, 1943, Pittsburgh Courier war correspondent Edgar T. Rouzeau ran a lead that celebrated Hall’s July 2, 1943 aerial victory.[27] The Courier‘s piece with a massive headline, “99th PILOT DOWNS NAZI PLANE”, featured editorial cartoonist Sam Milai's compelling cartoon depiction of Hall in his flight gear.[28] Other African American publications including the Baltimore-based Afro-American, the Chicago Defender, the New York Amsterdam News, the Atlanta Daily World ran similar leads highlighting Hall's exploits.[29] General Dwight Eisenhower visited the 99th Fighter Squadron to congratulate Hall.

On January 27 and 28, 1944 in Anzio, Italy, large formations of German FW 190s raided Anzio. The 99th Squadron downed eleven enemy German aircraft. Now a Captain, Hall downed two German FW 190s, raising his aerial victories to three.[30] Hall was only one of Tuskegee Airmen with at least three confirmed kills during World War II:

  • Joseph D. Elsberry - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
  • Edward L. Toppins - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
  • Lee Archer - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills
  • Leonard M. Jackson - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
  • Clarence D. Lester - 332nd Fighter Group's 100th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
  • Wendell O. Pruitt - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
  • Roger Romine - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kill, 1 Unconfirmed
  • Harry T. Stewart Jr. - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills

After World War II, Hall remained in the U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force until his retirement in XXXX with the rank of Major.

Post-Military

In 1949, Hall moved to Oklahoma where he worked at Tinker Air Force Base until 1967.[31] He later worked at the Federal Aviation Administration and became a he became a popular insurance agent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.[32]

Death

Hall passed away on November 22, 1971 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was interred at Spencer, Oklahoma's Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Devotion section, Lot 160, Section B, Grave #3.[33][34]

Legacy

  • On June 18, 2002, the Tinker Heritage Airpark was renamed the Major Charles B. Hall Airpark in his honor.

See also

References

  1. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  2. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  3. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  4. ^ Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  5. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  6. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  7. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  8. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  9. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  10. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  11. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  12. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  13. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  14. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  15. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  16. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  17. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  18. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster." https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ . This data derives from CAF Rise Above's research project compiling data from Tuskegee Airmen historians including the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
  19. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  20. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  21. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  22. ^ Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  23. ^ Face to Face Africa. "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943." MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | Head of Content. July 02, 2021. https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943
  24. ^ Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  25. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  26. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  27. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  28. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  29. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  30. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  31. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  32. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Army - Deceased - Hall, Charles B, MAJ https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=303901
  33. ^ Together We Served. "Roll of Honor - U.S. Army - Deceased - Hall, Charles B, MAJ https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=303901
  34. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
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