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{{Short description|American fighter pilot (1920–1971)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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'''Charles Blakesly "Buster" Hall''' (August 25, 1920 – November 22, 1971) was an iconic, highly decorated combat fighter pilot and [[U.S. Army Air Force]]/[[U.S. Air Force]] officer with the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]] or "Red Tails".<ref name=CAF>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/|title=Charles Blakeley Hall|date=8 July 2015|publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Museum>{{cite web|url=https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/|title=Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall|date=24 February 2021|publisher=Tuskegee Airmen Museum|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Buckley>{{cite book|last=Buckley|first=Gail|title=American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm|publisher=Random House Trade Paperbacks|year=2002|isbn=9780375760099}}</ref>{{rp|}}
'''Charles Blakesly "Buster" Hall''' (August 25, 1920 – November 22, 1971) was an American combat fighter pilot and [[U.S. Army Air Force]]/[[U.S. Air Force]] officer with the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]] or "Red Tails".<ref name=CAF>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/charles-b-hall/|title=Charles Blakeley Hall|date=8 July 2015|publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Museum>{{cite web|url=https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/tuskegee-airmen-profiles-captain-charles-b-hall/|title=Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall|date=24 February 2021|publisher=Tuskegee Airmen Museum|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Buckley>{{cite book|last=Buckley|first=Gail|title=American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm|publisher=Random House Trade Paperbacks|year=2002|isbn=9780375760099}}</ref>{{rp|}}


Highly celebrated by the [[African American]] press during [[World War II]], Hall became the first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down enemy aircraft.<ref name=Face>{{cite web|url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943|title=HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943|author=Mildred Taylor|publisher=Face to Face Africa|date=2 July 2021}}</ref><ref name=Aces>{{cite web|url=https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/|title=The Tuskegee Airmen|publisher=Aces of WWII|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Lancaster>{{cite web|url=https://ww2ondeadline.com/2020/07/02/tuskegee-airmen-99th-squadron-sicily-charles-b-hall-first-kill/|title=Tuskegee Airmen: Charles B. Hall records 99th's First Victory|author=Marc Lancaster|publisher=World War II on Deadline|date=2 July 2020|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref> TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CHRONOLOGY. DANIEL L. HAULMAN. ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY BRANCH. AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY. MAXWELL AFB, AL 36112-6424. 14 November 2011 "2 July 1943: While escorting B-25 medium bombers on a raid on Castelvetrano in southwestern Sicily, Italy, 1st Lt. Charles B. Hall of the 99th Fighter Squadron earned the first Tuskegee Airmen aerial victory credit by shooting down an FW-190 enemy aircraft." https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TUSKEGEE_AIRMEN_CHRONOLOGY12.2011.pdf </ref>
Highly celebrated by the [[African American]] press during [[World War II]], Hall became the first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down enemy aircraft.<ref name=Face>{{cite web|url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/charles-hall-the-first-african-american-pilot-to-shoot-down-a-nazi-plane-on-this-day-in-1943|title=HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943|author=Mildred Taylor|publisher=Face to Face Africa|date=2 July 2021}}</ref>{{bsn|date=November 2021}}<ref name=Aces>{{cite web|url=https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/|title=The Tuskegee Airmen|publisher=Aces of WWII|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Lancaster>{{cite web|url=https://ww2ondeadline.com/2020/07/02/tuskegee-airmen-99th-squadron-sicily-charles-b-hall-first-kill/|title=Tuskegee Airmen: Charles B. Hall records 99th's First Victory|author=Marc Lancaster|publisher=World War II on Deadline|date=2 July 2020|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref>TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CHRONOLOGY. DANIEL L. HAULMAN. ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY BRANCH. AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY. MAXWELL AFB, AL 36112-6424. 14 November 2011 "2 July 1943: While escorting B-25 medium bombers on a raid on Castelvetrano in southwestern Sicily, Italy, 1st Lt. Charles B. Hall of the 99th Fighter Squadron earned the first Tuskegee Airmen aerial victory credit by shooting down an Fw 190 enemy aircraft." https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TUSKEGEE_AIRMEN_CHRONOLOGY12.2011.pdf</ref>


General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] personally met and congratulated Hall on his victory.<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Museum/> Hall also became the first African American combat fighter pilot to earn the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref name=Museum/>
General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] personally met and congratulated Hall on his victory.<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Museum/> Hall also became the first African American combat fighter pilot to earn the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref name=Museum/>
Hall was also notable for being one of only nine 332nd Fighter Group pilots with at least three confirmed kills during World War II.<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><ref name=Lancaster/>


==Early Life, Education, Family, Marriages==
==Early life and family ==
Hall was born on August 25, 1920 at his parents home on 742 N. Columbia Street in rural [[Brazil, Indiana]], [[Clay County, Indiana|Clay County]].<ref name=Thisday>{{cite web|url=https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/|title=2 July 1943|publisher=This day in Aviation|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Face/> He was the son of [[Mississippi]] native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and Mississippi native Anna Blakesly Hall.<ref name=Face/>
Hall was born on August 25, 1920, at his parents' home on 742 N. Columbia Street in rural [[Brazil, Indiana]], [[Clay County, Indiana|Clay County]].<ref name=Thisday>{{cite web|url=https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/charles-b-hall/|title=2 July 1943|publisher=This day in Aviation|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Face/> He was the son of [[Mississippi]] native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and Mississippi native Anna Blakesly Hall.<ref name=Face/>


Hall was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics, [[American football|football]] and [[track and field]].<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Thisday/><ref name=Lancaster/> Hall attended [[Eastern Illinois University]], majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sports and worked a job as a waiter.<ref name=Face/>
Hall was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics, [[American football|football]] and [[track and field]].<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Thisday/><ref name=Lancaster/> Hall attended [[Eastern Illinois University]], majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sports and worked a job as a waiter.<ref name=Face/>


On December 14, 1942, Hall married stenographer Maxine Jessie Parish Hall in [[Vigo County, Indiana]]. There is no documented information on Hall's marriage and probable divorce to Maxine. Hall also married a Emma Jeanne Hall Ackiss.<ref> Geni. "Emma Jeanne Hall." https://www.geni.com/people/Emma-Hall/6000000040733166101 </ref> There is no documented information on Hall's marriage and probable divorce to Emma. Hall had a daughter, Peggy Ann Hall-Lofties who is still living [https://www.geni.com/people/Peggy-Hall-Lofties/6000000177448854821] born August 9, 1956 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with ex-fiancé Ida Mae Mucker ( February 2, 1929- April 24,1987).<ref> Geni. "Peggy Ann Hall." https://www.geni.com/people/Peggy-Hall/6000000040733435834 </ref> the couple's marriage plans were discussed but never took place.[https://www.geni.com/people/Ida-Mucker/6000000040732746746]
On December 14, 1942, Hall married stenographer Maxine Jessie Parish Hall in [[Vigo County, Indiana]]. There is no documented information on Hall's marriage and probable divorce to Maxine. Hall also married an Emma Jeanne Hall Ackiss. There is no documented information on Hall's marriage and probable divorce to Emma. Hall had a daughter, Peggy Ann Hall-Lofties, born August 9, 1956, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with ex-fiancé Ida Mae Mucker (February 2, 1929- April 24, 1987). The couple's marriage plans were discussed but never took place.


⚫
Hall later married Lola Delois Miles Hall (February 18, 1933 - August 7, 1997), an [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]], native. Hall and Lola were married until Hall's death.<ref name=Museum/><ref name=Face/> The Halls had one biological child together, Kelli Ann-Hall Jones, born December 1961. and Charles also had one stepdaughter by his wife Lola, Sherri Lynn Hall-Harris from his wife's previous relationship.<ref name=Lancaster/>


⚫
==Military career==
⚫
Hall later married Lola Delois Miles Hall (February 18, 1933 - August 7, 1997), an [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]] native. Hall and Lola were married until Hall's death.<ref name=Museum/><ref name=Face/> The Halls had one biological child together, Kelli Ann-Hall Jones, born December 1961.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geni.com/people/Kelli-Hall/6000000040733418886|title = Kelli Ann Hall}}</ref> She is still living, and Charles also had one stepdaughter by his wife Lola, Sherri Lynn Hall-Harris from his wife's previous relationship. She is still living; it is not known if her mother legally had Sherri's name changed to Hall or not but he considered her like his own loving biological daughter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geni.com/people/Sherri-Hall-Harris/6000000177490068873?through=6000000040732827282|title = Sherri Lynn Hall-Harris}}</ref><ref name=Lancaster/>
⚫
In 1941, Hall enlisted in the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] as an aviation cadet, serial number 0790457, at [[Lawrence, Indiana]]'s [[Fort Benjamin Harrison]].<ref name=Thisday/><ref name=Face/> In 1942 he was assigned to [[Tuskegee, Alabama]], to attend Advanced Flight Cadet Training at the [[Tuskegee Army Airfield]].<ref name=Face/> On July 3, 1942, Hall graduated from the program's fourth Cadet Class Single Engine Section SE-42-F, earning his wings and a commission as a [[2nd Lieutenant]].<ref name=CAF/> He was then assigned to the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]].<ref name=Face/> Hall was briefly assigned to the 324th Fighter Group.<ref name=Thisday/>


⚫
During [[World War II]], Hall, nicknamed "Buster", flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.<ref name=Museum/><ref name=Buckley/>{{rp|}}
⚫
==Military career==
⚫
In 1941, Hall enlisted in the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] as an aviation cadet, serial number 0790457, at [[Lawrence, Indiana]]'s [[Fort Benjamin Harrison]].<ref name=Thisday/><ref name=Face/> In 1942 he was assigned to [[Tuskegee, Alabama]] to attend Advanced Flight Cadet Training at the [[Tuskegee Army Airfield]].<ref name=Face/> 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]].<ref name=CAF/> He was then assigned to the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]].<ref name=Face/> Hall was briefly assigned to the 324th Fighter Group.<ref name=Thisday/>


⚫
On his eighth mission in the [[European Theater]]/[[Mediterranean Theater of Operations|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 name=Aces/> Flying in a [[P-40]], Hall shot down a German [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]. Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft.<ref name=Face/> After Hall's victory, the 99th Fighter Squadron, in lieu of [[Champagne]], awarded "Buster" Hall the last chilled bottle of Coca-Cola on base at that time.<ref>The Oklahoman. "Tuskegee Legacy: Descendants, others gather in Oklahoma City to honor black WWII airmen." Darla Slipke. Published: Fri, July 10, 2015. https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5432804/tuskegee-legacy-descendants-others-gather-in-oklahoma-city-to-honor-black-wwii-airmen</ref><ref name=Buckley/>{{rp|}} Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.<ref name=Aces/>
⚫
During [[World War II]], Hall, nicknamed "Buster", flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.<ref name=Museum/><ref name=Buckley/>{{rp|}}


⚫
Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref name=Museum/> He became an immediate star of 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 name=Lancaster/> 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 name=Lancaster/> 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 name=Lancaster/>
⚫
On his eighth mission in the [[European Theater]]/[[Mediterranean Theater of Operations|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 name=Aces/> Flying in a [[P-40]], Hall shot down a German [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]. Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot ever to shoot down an enemy aircraft.<ref name=Face/> After Hall's victory, the 99th Fighter Squadron, in lieu of [[Champagne]], awarded "Buster" Hall the last chilled bottle of Coca-Cola on base at that time.<ref> The Oklahoman. "Tuskegee Legacy: Descendants, others gather in Oklahoma City to honor black WWII airmen." Darla Slipke. Published: Fri, July 10, 2015. https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5432804/tuskegee-legacy-descendants-others-gather-in-oklahoma-city-to-honor-black-wwii-airmen </ref><ref name=Buckley/>{{rp|}} Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.<ref name=Aces/>


⚫
Supreme Allied Commander and General [[Dwight Eisenhower]], visiting troops in North Africa with senior officers including General [[Jimmy Doolittle]] and General [[Carl Spaatz]], visited the 99th Fighter Squadron's base to personally congratulate Hall after his victory.<ref name=CAF/> Major General [[John K. Cannon]], Commanding General, Twelfth Air Force, also personally congratulated Hall.<ref name=CAF/>
⚫
Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref name=Museum/> He became an immediate star of 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 name=Lancaster/> 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 name=Lancaster/> 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 name=Lancaster/>


⚫
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 name=Museum/> Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valiant achievements.<ref name=Museum/>
⚫
Supreme Allied Commander and General [[Dwight Eisenhower]], visiting troops in North Africa with senior officers including General [[Jimmy Doolittle]] and General [[Carl Spaatz]], stopped by the 99th Fighter Squadron's base to personally congratulate Hall.<ref name=CAF/> Major General [[John K. Cannon]], Commanding General, Twelfth Air Force, also personally congratulated Hall.<ref name=CAF/>


⚫
Hall was one of only nine 332nd Fighter Group pilots 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 name=Museum/> Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valiant achievements.<ref name=Museum/>


⚫
Later in 1944, Hall arrived back in the United States, traveling extensively on an official tour to boost the sale of war bonds.<ref name=Lancaster/> Hall later returned to Tuskegee as a flight instructor. In 1946, Hall left the U.S. Army Air Corps with the rank of [[Major (rank)|Major]].<ref name=Together>{{cite web|url=https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=303901|title= Roll of Honor - U.S. Army - Deceased - Hall, Charles B, MAJ|publisher=Together We Served|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Lancaster/>
⚫
Hall was one of only 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 an official tour to ramp up the sale of war bonds.<ref name=Lancaster/> Hall later returned to Tuskegee, becoming a flight instructor. In 1946, Hall left the U.S. Army Air Corps with the rank of [[Major]].<ref name=Together>{{cite web|url=https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=303901|title= Roll of Honor - U.S. Army - Deceased - Hall, Charles B, MAJ|publisher=Together We Served|accessdate=19 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=Lancaster/>


===Freeman Field Mutiny===
===Freeman Field Mutiny===
He was one of ten officers to preside over the [[Freeman Field mutiny|Freemen Field Mutiny]] Court-Martials, appointed by General [[Frank O'Driscoll Hunter]]. They were: Colonel [[Benjamin O. Davis Jr.]], Captain [[George L. Knox II]], Captain [[James T. Wiley]], captain John H. Duren, Captain Charles R. Stanton, captain William T. Yates, Captain Elmore M. Kennedy, Captain [[Fitzroy Newsum]], 1st Lieutenant [[William Robert Ming]] Jr. and 1st Lieutenant James Y. Carter. Trial Judge Advocates were: Captain James W. Redden and 1st Lieutenant Charles B. Hall.<ref name="Knights">{{cite book |last1=Reilly |first1=Thomas |last2=Homan |first2=Lynn |title=Black Knights: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen |date=2008 |publisher=Pelican Publishing Company |location=Gretna Louisiana |page=203 |isbn=9781455601257 |edition=7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_GqRJYUiWkYC&q=Freeman+Field+mutiny+court+martial+George+L.+Knox&pg=PA203 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>
He was one of ten officers to preside over the [[Freeman Field mutiny|Freemen Field Mutiny]] Courts-Martial, appointed by General [[Frank O'Driscoll Hunter]]. They were: Colonel [[Benjamin O. Davis Jr.]], Captain [[George L. Knox II]], Captain [[James T. Wiley]], captain John H. Duren, Captain Charles R. Stanton, captain William T. Yates, Captain Elmore M. Kennedy, Captain [[Fitzroy Newsum]], 1st Lieutenant [[William Robert Ming]] Jr. and 1st Lieutenant James Y. Carter. Trial Judge Advocates were: Captain James W. Redden and 1st Lieutenant Charles B. Hall.<ref name="Knights">{{cite book |last1=Reilly |first1=Thomas |last2=Homan |first2=Lynn |title=Black Knights: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen |date=2008 |publisher=Pelican Publishing Company |location=Gretna Louisiana |page=203 |isbn=9781455601257 |edition=7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_GqRJYUiWkYC&q=Freeman+Field+mutiny+court+martial+George+L.+Knox&pg=PA203 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>


==Post-military career==
==Post-military career==
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==Death==
==Death==
Hall died on November 22, 1971 in Oklahoma City at the age of 51.<ref name=Lancaster/> Hall was interred at [[Spencer, Oklahoma]]'s [[Hillcrest Memorial Gardens]] in the Garden of Devotion section, Lot 160, Section B, Grave #3.<ref name=Together/><ref name=Museum/> The local paper made little mention of Hall's history in World War II.<ref name=Lancaster/>
Hall died on November 22, 1971, in Oklahoma City at the age of 51.<ref name=Lancaster/> Hall was interred at [[Spencer, Oklahoma]]'s [[Hillcrest Memorial Gardens]] in the Garden of Devotion section, Lot 160, Section B, Grave #3.<ref name=Together/><ref name=Museum/> The local paper made little mention of Hall's history in World War II.<ref name=Lancaster/>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
* Hall's hometown of [[Brazil, Indiana]] named a street "Major Charles B. Baker Street" in honor of Hall.<ref> This 'n' That. "CHARLES B. HALL - FIRST BLACK AMERICAN PILOT TO SHOOT DOWN AN ENEMY AIRCRAFT." Posted August 05, 2007. https://ramasuntiger.blogspot.com/2007/08/charles-b-hall-first-black-american.html </ref>
* Hall's hometown of [[Brazil, Indiana]], named a street "Charles B Hall Drive" in honor of Hall. The street signs also have a silhouette of a WW2 fighter in honor of his service. <ref>This 'n' That. "CHARLES B. HALL - FIRST BLACK AMERICAN PILOT TO SHOOT DOWN AN ENEMY AIRCRAFT." Posted August 05, 2007. https://ramasuntiger.blogspot.com/2007/08/charles-b-hall-first-black-american.html</ref>
* On July 24, 1994, the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial honored Hall for being the first Tuskegee Airman to shoot down a German plane on June 21, 1943. The Memorial also renamed its North AmericanP-51D Mustang |4474216 - USAF for fellow Tuskegee Airman Leon C. Roberts who hailed from the Mobile, Alabama area. Robert's mother, Nellie Roberts, twin brother and former Tuskegee Airmen [[DOTA] Cleon Roberts, and sister Imogene Roberts Howard represented Roberts' family at the ceremony. Tuskegee Airman [[Herbert Carter (pilot)|Herbert Carter]] served as the keynote speaker. <ref> Sharing the legacy. "SHARING THE LEGACY of TUSKEGEE AIRMEN." Published February 13, 2012. http://thenewjournalandguide.com/sharing-the-legacy/ </ref>
* On July 24, 1994, the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial honored Hall for being the first Tuskegee Airman to shoot down a German plane on June 21, 1943. The Memorial also renamed its North AmericanP-51D Mustang |4474216 - USAF for fellow Tuskegee Airman Leon C. Roberts who hailed from the Mobile, Alabama area. Robert's mother, Nellie Roberts, twin brother and former Tuskegee Airmen Cleon Roberts, and sister Imogene Roberts Howard represented Roberts' family at the ceremony. Tuskegee Airman [[Herbert Carter (pilot)|Herbert Carter]] served as the keynote speaker.<ref>Sharing the legacy. "SHARING THE LEGACY of TUSKEGEE AIRMEN." Published February 13, 2012. http://thenewjournalandguide.com/sharing-the-legacy/</ref>
* The 1997 GI Joe Classic Collection Tuskegee Bomber Pilot (WWII Forces Collection GI Joe Limited Edition) featured Hall.<ref> Black Doll Collecting by Debbie Behan Garrett @blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com https://blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com/2010/10/gi-joe-tuskegee-airmen.html </ref>
* The 1997 GI Joe Classic Collection Tuskegee Bomber Pilot (WWII Forces Collection GI Joe Limited Edition) featured Hall.<ref name="auto">Black Doll Collecting by Debbie Behan Garrett @blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com https://blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com/2010/10/gi-joe-tuskegee-airmen.html</ref>
* On June 18, 2002, the Tinker Heritage Airpark was renamed the Major Charles B. Hall Airpark in his honor.<ref> TINKER AIR FORCE BASE "Charles B. Hall Airpark." https://www.tinker.af.mil/About-Us/Charles-B-Hall-Air-Park/ </ref>
* On June 18, 2002, the Tinker Heritage Airpark was renamed the Major Charles B. Hall Airpark in his honor.<ref>TINKER AIR FORCE BASE "Charles B. Hall Airpark." https://www.tinker.af.mil/About-Us/Charles-B-Hall-Air-Park/</ref>
* In August 2009, Hall's hometown of [[Brazil, Indiana]] dedicated a monument to Hall.<ref> BRAZIL TIMES. "Board of Works approves placement of Hall memorial." y JASON MOON, Managing Editor. AUGUST 5, 2007. </ref> Its inscription reads: <blockquote>'''''Major Charles B. Hall - 08-25-1920 to 11-22-1971''' - Brazil native and World War II Hero, Mr. Hall became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Mr. Hall was one of the first 43 African American pilots assigned to combat duty with the 99th Pursuit Squadron 332d Fighter Group (the Red Tails). On July 2, 1943 Lt. Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for shooting down a German Focke-Wulf 190 during a mission over [Panelleria, Tunisia, North Africa]. In doing so, he became the first African-American pilot to earn official credit for destroying an enemy airplane in the Second World War. After retiring as a Major in the Air Force, he resided in Oklahoma City until his death in 1971. The airplane above is a replica of the P-40 flown by Major Hall in 1943.''<ref> Black Doll Collecting by Debbie Behan Garrett @blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com https://blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com/2010/10/gi-joe-tuskegee-airmen.html </ref></blockquote>
* In August 2009, Hall's hometown of [[Brazil, Indiana]], dedicated a monument to Hall.<ref>BRAZIL TIMES. "Board of Works approves placement of Hall memorial." y JASON MOON, Managing Editor. AUGUST 5, 2007.</ref> Its inscription reads: <blockquote>'''''Major Charles B. Hall - 08-25-1920 to 11-22-1971''' - Brazil native and World War II Hero, Mr. Hall became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Mr. Hall was one of the first 43 African American pilots assigned to combat duty with the 99th Pursuit Squadron 332d Fighter Group (the Red Tails). On July 2, 1943 Lt. Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for shooting down a German Focke-Wulf 190 during a mission over [Panelleria, Tunisia, North Africa]. In doing so, he became the first African-American pilot to earn official credit for destroying an enemy airplane in the Second World War. After retiring as a Major in the Air Force, he resided in Oklahoma City until his death in 1971. The airplane above is a replica of the P-40 flown by Major Hall in 1943.''<ref name="auto"/></blockquote>
*On November 13, 2015, Charles B. Hall was inducted into the Indiana Veterans Military Hall of Fame, in Indianapolis, IN.https://imvhof.com/2015-class/
*On October 8, 2022, Charles B. Hall was inducted into the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame, in Carmel, IN. https://inahof.org


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 16:50, 15 July 2024

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 "Buster" Hall (August 25, 1920 – November 22, 1971) was an American combat fighter pilot and U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails".[1][2][3]

Highly celebrated by the African American press during World War II, Hall became the first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down enemy aircraft.[4][better source needed][5][6][7]

General Dwight D. Eisenhower personally met and congratulated Hall on his victory.[1][2] Hall also became the first African American combat fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[2]

Early life and family

[edit]

Hall was born on August 25, 1920, at his parents' home on 742 N. Columbia Street in rural Brazil, Indiana, Clay County.[8][4] He was the son of Mississippi native Franklin Hall, a kiln-burner, and Mississippi native Anna Blakesly Hall.[4]

Hall was a 1938 graduate of Brazil High School, where he excelled in academics, football and track and field.[1][8][6] Hall attended Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Pre-Medicine. While at Eastern Illinois, Hall participated in sports and worked a job as a waiter.[4]

On December 14, 1942, Hall married stenographer Maxine Jessie Parish Hall in Vigo County, Indiana. There is no documented information on Hall's marriage and probable divorce to Maxine. Hall also married an Emma Jeanne Hall Ackiss. There is no documented information on Hall's marriage and probable divorce to Emma. Hall had a daughter, Peggy Ann Hall-Lofties, born August 9, 1956, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with ex-fiancé Ida Mae Mucker (February 2, 1929- April 24, 1987). The couple's marriage plans were discussed but never took place.

Hall later married Lola Delois Miles Hall (February 18, 1933 - August 7, 1997), an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, native. Hall and Lola were married until Hall's death.[2][4] The Halls had one biological child together, Kelli Ann-Hall Jones, born December 1961. and Charles also had one stepdaughter by his wife Lola, Sherri Lynn Hall-Harris from his wife's previous relationship.[6]

Military career

[edit]

In 1941, Hall enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet, serial number 0790457, at Lawrence, Indiana's Fort Benjamin Harrison.[8][4] In 1942 he was assigned to Tuskegee, Alabama, to attend Advanced Flight Cadet Training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield.[4] On July 3, 1942, Hall graduated from the program's fourth Cadet Class Single Engine Section SE-42-F, earning his wings and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.[1] He was then assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron.[4] Hall was briefly assigned to the 324th Fighter Group.[8]

During World War II, Hall, nicknamed "Buster", flew 198 missions over North Africa, Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.[2][3]

On his eighth mission in the 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.[5] Flying in a P-40, Hall shot down a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger. Hall became first African American combat fighter pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft.[4] After Hall's victory, the 99th Fighter Squadron, in lieu of Champagne, awarded "Buster" Hall the last chilled bottle of Coca-Cola on base at that time.[9][3] Hall's victory was the 99th Fighter Squadron's sole aerial victory in 1943.[5]

Hall became the first African American fighter pilot to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross.[2] He became an immediate star of 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.[6] 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.[6] 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.[6]

Supreme Allied Commander and General Dwight Eisenhower, visiting troops in North Africa with senior officers including General Jimmy Doolittle and General Carl Spaatz, visited the 99th Fighter Squadron's base to personally congratulate Hall after his victory.[1] Major General John K. Cannon, Commanding General, Twelfth Air Force, also personally congratulated Hall.[1]

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.[2] Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valiant achievements.[2]

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

Later in 1944, Hall arrived back in the United States, traveling extensively on an official tour to boost the sale of war bonds.[6] Hall later returned to Tuskegee as a flight instructor. In 1946, Hall left the U.S. Army Air Corps with the rank of Major.[10][6]

Freeman Field Mutiny

[edit]

He was one of ten officers to preside over the Freemen Field Mutiny Courts-Martial, appointed by General Frank O'Driscoll Hunter. They were: Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr., Captain George L. Knox II, Captain James T. Wiley, captain John H. Duren, Captain Charles R. Stanton, captain William T. Yates, Captain Elmore M. Kennedy, Captain Fitzroy Newsum, 1st Lieutenant William Robert Ming Jr. and 1st Lieutenant James Y. Carter. Trial Judge Advocates were: Captain James W. Redden and 1st Lieutenant Charles B. Hall.[11]

Post-military career

[edit]

After leaving the military, Hall moved to Chicago where he worked as an insurance agent.[1] In 1948, Hall moved to Oklahoma where he briefly worked at a drug store and managed a restaurant. Like many African American World War II veteran pilots, Hall could not find substantive jobs with the commercial airlines or commercial transport company based on his race.[3]

In 1949, Hall worked at Tinker Air Force Base until 1967 before landing a role at the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.[2][6] He later became a well-known insurance agent in Oklahoma City.[10]

Death

[edit]

Hall died on November 22, 1971, in Oklahoma City at the age of 51.[6] Hall was interred at Spencer, Oklahoma's Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Devotion section, Lot 160, Section B, Grave #3.[10][2] The local paper made little mention of Hall's history in World War II.[6]

Legacy

[edit]
  • Hall's hometown of Brazil, Indiana, named a street "Charles B Hall Drive" in honor of Hall. The street signs also have a silhouette of a WW2 fighter in honor of his service. [12]
  • On July 24, 1994, the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial honored Hall for being the first Tuskegee Airman to shoot down a German plane on June 21, 1943. The Memorial also renamed its North AmericanP-51D Mustang |4474216 - USAF for fellow Tuskegee Airman Leon C. Roberts who hailed from the Mobile, Alabama area. Robert's mother, Nellie Roberts, twin brother and former Tuskegee Airmen Cleon Roberts, and sister Imogene Roberts Howard represented Roberts' family at the ceremony. Tuskegee Airman Herbert Carter served as the keynote speaker.[13]
  • The 1997 GI Joe Classic Collection Tuskegee Bomber Pilot (WWII Forces Collection GI Joe Limited Edition) featured Hall.[14]
  • On June 18, 2002, the Tinker Heritage Airpark was renamed the Major Charles B. Hall Airpark in his honor.[15]
  • In August 2009, Hall's hometown of Brazil, Indiana, dedicated a monument to Hall.[16] Its inscription reads:

    Major Charles B. Hall - 08-25-1920 to 11-22-1971 - Brazil native and World War II Hero, Mr. Hall became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Mr. Hall was one of the first 43 African American pilots assigned to combat duty with the 99th Pursuit Squadron 332d Fighter Group (the Red Tails). On July 2, 1943 Lt. Hall earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for shooting down a German Focke-Wulf 190 during a mission over [Panelleria, Tunisia, North Africa]. In doing so, he became the first African-American pilot to earn official credit for destroying an enemy airplane in the Second World War. After retiring as a Major in the Air Force, he resided in Oklahoma City until his death in 1971. The airplane above is a replica of the P-40 flown by Major Hall in 1943.[14]

  • On November 13, 2015, Charles B. Hall was inducted into the Indiana Veterans Military Hall of Fame, in Indianapolis, IN.https://imvhof.com/2015-class/
  • On October 8, 2022, Charles B. Hall was inducted into the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame, in Carmel, IN. https://inahof.org

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Charles Blakeley Hall". CAF Rise Above. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Tuskegee Airmen profiles: Captain Charles B. Hall". Tuskegee Airmen Museum. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d Buckley, Gail (2002). American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm. Random House Trade Paperbacks. ISBN 9780375760099.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Mildred Taylor (2 July 2021). "HISTORY: Charles Hall, the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane on this day in 1943". Face to Face Africa.
  5. ^ a b c "The Tuskegee Airmen". Aces of WWII. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Marc Lancaster (2 July 2020). "Tuskegee Airmen: Charles B. Hall records 99th's First Victory". World War II on Deadline. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  7. ^ TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CHRONOLOGY. DANIEL L. HAULMAN. ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY BRANCH. AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY. MAXWELL AFB, AL 36112-6424. 14 November 2011 "2 July 1943: While escorting B-25 medium bombers on a raid on Castelvetrano in southwestern Sicily, Italy, 1st Lt. Charles B. Hall of the 99th Fighter Squadron earned the first Tuskegee Airmen aerial victory credit by shooting down an Fw 190 enemy aircraft." https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TUSKEGEE_AIRMEN_CHRONOLOGY12.2011.pdf
  8. ^ a b c d "2 July 1943". This day in Aviation. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  9. ^ The Oklahoman. "Tuskegee Legacy: Descendants, others gather in Oklahoma City to honor black WWII airmen." Darla Slipke. Published: Fri, July 10, 2015. https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5432804/tuskegee-legacy-descendants-others-gather-in-oklahoma-city-to-honor-black-wwii-airmen
  10. ^ a b c "Roll of Honor - U.S. Army - Deceased - Hall, Charles B, MAJ". Together We Served. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  11. ^ Reilly, Thomas; Homan, Lynn (2008). Black Knights: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen (7 ed.). Gretna Louisiana: Pelican Publishing Company. p. 203. ISBN 9781455601257. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  12. ^ This 'n' That. "CHARLES B. HALL - FIRST BLACK AMERICAN PILOT TO SHOOT DOWN AN ENEMY AIRCRAFT." Posted August 05, 2007. https://ramasuntiger.blogspot.com/2007/08/charles-b-hall-first-black-american.html
  13. ^ Sharing the legacy. "SHARING THE LEGACY of TUSKEGEE AIRMEN." Published February 13, 2012. http://thenewjournalandguide.com/sharing-the-legacy/
  14. ^ a b Black Doll Collecting by Debbie Behan Garrett @blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com https://blackdollcollecting.blogspot.com/2010/10/gi-joe-tuskegee-airmen.html
  15. ^ TINKER AIR FORCE BASE "Charles B. Hall Airpark." https://www.tinker.af.mil/About-Us/Charles-B-Hall-Air-Park/
  16. ^ BRAZIL TIMES. "Board of Works approves placement of Hall memorial." y JASON MOON, Managing Editor. AUGUST 5, 2007.
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