Quick Facts
Biography
Roy Orestus Hale, Jr., born on 10 May 1916 in Monroe, Louisiana, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned ensign in the United States Navy on 2 June 1938.
Navy career
After a year at sea, Hale underwent aviation training at Pensacola, Florida, Miami, Florida, and San Diego, California, and on 21 June 1941, joined Scouting Squadron 2 on board USS Lexington (CV-2). Promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) in October, he remained on board that carrier after the United States entered World War II.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
He participated in the Pacific raids of February and March 1942 and flew his scout plane in the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7–8 May. Failing to return from that mission, Hale was presumed killed in action and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial combat and his " ... courageous determination and aggressiveness ... attacking enemy aircraft in spite of fierce fighter opposition."
Namesake
USS Roy O. Hale (DE-336) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down on 13 September 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched 20 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Roy O. Hale, mother of Lieutenant (junior grade) Hale; and commissioned on 3 February 1944, Lt. Comdr. William W. Bowie, USNR, in command.