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'''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 Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]] or "Red Tails".<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> He was one of 1,007 documented [[Tuskegee Airmen]] Pilots.<ref name="CAF2">{{cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster |url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ |website=CAF Rise Above |publisher=CAF Rise Above |access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>
'''Charles Blakesly Hall''' (August 25, 1920 - November 22, 1971) was an [[U.S. Army Air Force]]/[[U.S. Air Force]] officer and an iconic, highly decorated combat fighter pilot with the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]] or "Red Tails".<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/ </ref><ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> He was one of 1,007 documented [[Tuskegee Airmen]] Pilots.<ref name="CAF2">{{cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster |url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ |website=CAF Rise Above |publisher=CAF Rise Above |access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>


On July 3, 1943 during a bomber escort mission to [[Castelvetrano]], Hall became the first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down an 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> General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] personally met and congratulated Hall on his valiant exploits.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> Hall also became the first African American combat 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><ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref>
On July 3, 1943 during a bomber escort mission to [[Castelvetrano]], Hall became the first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down an 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> General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] personally met and congratulated Hall on his valiant exploits.<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/ </ref><ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref> Hall also became the first African American combat 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><ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref>


==Early Life, Education, Family==
==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]].<ref> This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/ </ref> <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> He was the son of [[Mississippi]] native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and [[Mississippi]] native Anna Blakesly Hall.<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 was born on August 25, 1920 at his parents home on 742 N. Columbia Street in rural [[Brazil, Indiana]], [[Clay County]].<ref> This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/ </ref> <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> He was the son of [[Mississippi]] native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and [[Mississippi]] native Anna Blakesly Hall.<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 was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics, [[football]] and [[track and field]]<ref> This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/ </ref><ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> Hall attended [[Eastern Illinois University]], majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sport and worked as a waiter.<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 was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics, [[football]] and [[track and field]].<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/ </ref> <ref> This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/ </ref><ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> Hall attended [[Eastern Illinois University]], majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sport and worked as a waiter.<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>


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 were married until Hall's death on November 22, 1971.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref><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> The Halls had two children, Kelli Jones and Sherri Harris.<ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref>
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 were married until Hall's death on November 22, 1971.<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref><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> The Halls had two children, Kelli Jones and Sherri Harris.<ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref>
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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]] Airfield 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 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]] Airfield 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 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> He became an immediate favorite 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.
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> He became an immediate favorite 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]], who was visiting troops in the region with senior military leadership, visited the [[99th Fighter Squadron]] to personally congratulated Hall.<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/ </ref> Major General [[John K. Cannon]], Commanding General, Twelfth Air Force, also personally congratulated Hall.<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/ </ref>


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 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>
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 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>
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==Post-Military==
==Post-Military==
In 1948, Hall moved to Oklahoma where he briefly worked at a drug store. In 1949, Hall worked at [[Tinker Air Force Base]] until 1967 before landing a role at the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]].<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref><ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> He later became a well-known insurance agent in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]].<ref> 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 </ref>
After leaving the military, Hall moved to Chicago where he worked as an insurance agent.<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/ </ref> In 1948, Hall moved to Oklahoma where he briefly worked at a drug store. In 1949, Hall worked at [[Tinker Air Force Base]] until 1967 before landing a role at the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]].<ref> Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/ </ref><ref> World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020. </ref> He later became a well-known insurance agent in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]].<ref> 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 </ref>


==Death==
==Death==

Revision as of 22:53, 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

Charles Blakesly Hall (August 25, 1920 - November 22, 1971) was an U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer and an iconic, highly decorated combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails".[1][2] He was one of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.[3]

On July 3, 1943 during a bomber escort mission to Castelvetrano, Hall became the first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft.[4] Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.[5] General Dwight D. Eisenhower personally met and congratulated Hall on his valiant exploits.[6][7] Hall also became the first African American combat fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[8][9]

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.[10] [11] He was the son of Mississippi native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and Mississippi native Anna Blakesly Hall.[12]

Hall was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics, football and track and field.[13] [14][15] Hall attended Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sport and worked as a waiter.[16]

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 were married until Hall's death on November 22, 1971.[17][18] The Halls had two children, Kelli Jones and Sherri Harris.[19]

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.[20] [21] In 1942, the U.S. Army Air Corps sent Hall to Tuskegee, Alabama to attend Advanced Flight Cadet Training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield.[22] 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.[23] The U.S. Army Air Corps assigned Hall to the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron.[24] Hall was briefly assigned to the 324th Fighter Group.[25]

During World War II, Hall flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.[26]

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 Airfield in southwestern Sicily, Italy.[27] 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.[28] Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.[29]

Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[30] He became an immediate favorite 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.[31] 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.[32] 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.[33] General Dwight Eisenhower, who was visiting troops in the region with senior military leadership, visited the 99th Fighter Squadron to personally congratulated Hall.[34] Major General John K. Cannon, Commanding General, Twelfth Air Force, also personally congratulated Hall.[35]

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.[36] Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valiant achievements.[37]

Hall was only one of nine 332nd Fighter Group pilots with at least three confirmed kills during World War II:

  • Joseph 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 (pilot) - 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 Stewart, Jr. - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills

Later in 1944, Hall arrived back in the United States, traveling extensively on a nearly four-month tour to ramp up the sale of war bonds.[38] Hall later returned to Tuskegee, becoming a flight instructor. In 1946, Hall left the U.S. Army Air Corps with the rank of Major.[39][40]

Post-Military

After leaving the military, Hall moved to Chicago where he worked as an insurance agent.[41] In 1948, Hall moved to Oklahoma where he briefly worked at a drug store. In 1949, Hall worked at Tinker Air Force Base until 1967 before landing a role at the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.[42][43] He later became a well-known insurance agent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.[44]

Death

Hall passed away on November 22, 1971 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was only 51 years old.[45] Hall was interred at Spencer, Oklahoma's Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Devotion section, Lot 160, Section B, Grave #3.[46][47] The local paper made little mention of Hall's history in World War II.[48]

Legacy

  • On June 18, 2002, the Tinker Heritage Airpark was renamed the Major Charles B. Hall Airpark in his honor.[49]

See also

References

  1. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/
  2. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  3. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  4. ^ 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
  5. ^ Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  6. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/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. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  9. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  10. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  11. ^ 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
  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. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/
  14. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  15. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  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. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  18. ^ 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
  19. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  20. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/
  21. ^ 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
  22. ^ 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
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ 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
  25. ^ This day in Aviation. "2 July 1943." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/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. ^ Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  28. ^ 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
  29. ^ Aces of WWII. "The Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  30. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  31. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  32. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  33. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  34. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/
  35. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/
  36. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  37. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  38. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  39. ^ 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
  40. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  41. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles Blakeley Hall."https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/
  42. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  43. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  44. ^ 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
  45. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  46. ^ 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
  47. ^ Tuskegee Airmen Museum. "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/
  48. ^ World War II on Deadline. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: CHARLES B. HALL RECORDS 99TH’S FIRST VICTORY." Marc Lancaster. Posted July 2, 2020.
  49. ^ TINKER AIR FORCE BASE "Charles B. Hall Airpark." https://www.tinker.af.mil/About-Us/Charles-B-Hall-Air-Park/
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