This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Hale, Willis Henry, Maj Gen USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major General Willis H. Hale (ASN: 19A), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism and courageous devotion to duty as Commanding General of the SEVENTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, while leading a heavy Bombardment Squadron during attacks against strongly held enemy bases on Nauru Island and the Tarawa Island during the period 20 to 23 April 1943. Participating in a daring flight over enemy-controlled territory, Major General Hale led his squadron in a brilliantly executed bombing attack upon securely fortified enemy positions and succeeded in inflicting severe damage upon Japanese personnel and material. His forceful and inspiring leadership throughout a vital and hazardous mission, and his superior airmanship combined with the gallant fighting spirit of his command, reflect great credit upon the United States Armed Service.
WWII - Pacific Theater of Operations/Western Pacific Campaign (1944-45)
From Month/Year
June / 1944
To Month/Year
September / 1945
Description (Western Pacific Campaign 15 June 1944 to 2 September 1945) Attacks on Truk, where the Japanese had a major base, continued as preparations were made for the invasion of the Marianas. The American troops that landed on Saipan on 15 June 1944 met bitter opposition; but, after a desperate Japanese counterattack on 7 July, organized resistance soon terminated. Tinian, invaded on 25 July, was won by I August. Guam, which had been seized by the Japanese on 10 December 1941, was invaded on 20 July and regained after 20 days of fighting. With the conquest of the Marianas, the United States gained valuable bases for an aerial offensive against Japan itself. To provide bases for operations against the Philipgines, the Palaus were invaded in mid-September. Later, aerial attacks were made on Formosa to support the invasion of the Philippines and Okinawa.
