This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Hale, Willis Henry, Maj Gen USAF(Ret).
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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.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications (B-18A)
General characteristics
* Crew: 6 * Length: 57 ft 10 in (17.6 m) * Wingspan: 89 ft 6 in (27.3 m) * Height: 15 ft 2 in (4.6 m) * Wing area: 959 ft² (89.1 m²) * Empty weight: 16,321 lb (7,400 kg) * Loaded weight: 22,123 lb (10,030 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 27,500 lb (12,600 kg) * Powerplant: 2× Wright R-1820-53 radial engines, 1,000 hp (750 kW) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 215 mph (197 knots, 346 km/h) * Combat range: 999 nm (1,150 mi, 1,850 km)) * Ferry range: 1,800 nm (2,100 mi, 3,400 km) * Service ceiling 23,900 ft (7,280 m) * Rate of climb: 1,030 ft/min (5.2 m/s) * Wing loading: 23.1 lb/ft² (113 kg/m²) * Power/mass: 0.09 hp/lb (150 W/kg)
Armament
* Guns: 3× .30 in (7.62 mm) machine guns * Bombs: 4,500 lb (2,200 kg)