Item Description
Original Items: One-of-a-kind set. The items in this grouping belonged to an American hero. Ensign William B. Hall, United States Navy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (posthumously) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Fighting embarked in U.S.S. BELLE WOOD (CVL-24) from 20 to 24 July 1945.
William Hall was a member of the VF-31 squadron, a F6F Hellcat Fighter pilot, the Aircraft Action Report from 24th of July 1945 reads as follows:
The group flew up to the entrance of Nagoya Bay and located one airfield which was already under attack by 12 - 16 VF, where upon this group flew back to seaplane base at Otsu. Bombing and rocket runs were made upon three SD’s and town. Three SD’s were definitely sunk through rocket and machine gun fire.
During his second run, Ensign W.B. Hall was seen to pull up and start what appeared to be a wing over back into the target, he did not break his glide and crashed and exploded in an inlet north of the station.
While circling the crash, two Petes were spotted in another inlet and strafed heavily by the entire group and can be considered destroyed although they did not burn. 20 MM and 12.7 Cal M.G. fire was encountered on all runs but the first.
Included in this set are the following pieces:
U.S. Naval Aviator Working Green Uniform (tunic & pants) with embroidered breast wings and rank on cuffs. Interior tailor label named to William Hall.
U.S. Naval Aviator Green peaked cap (plus white and blue covers).
U.S. Naval Aviator Grey/Blue Uniform (tunic & pants) with pin back gilt breast wings, shoulder boards and rank on cuffs. Interior tailor label named to WB Hall and dated 3/7/44.
U.S. Naval Aviator Dress Blue Double Breasted Uniform with embroidered breast wings named to WB Hall and dated 1/26/44.
Binder full of research on WB Hall, including multiple Aircraft Action Reports, War Diary, etc.
Original newspaper article with photo from the Lewistown Sentinel (PA) written by his cousin.
A truly exceptional grouping that belonged to a hero from the greatest generation that made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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