In the early 1970's, while stationed with the U.S. Navy at NAS Pensacola, it was my honor to have known Commander (later Captain) Harley Hall. At the time, CDR Hall was Commander (or Boss) of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team (the Blue Angels). As such, he was required to have had at least 3000 tactical jet flight hours and to have commanded a Tactical Jet Squadron. The "Boss" flies the Number One Jet.
From Pensacola, CDR Hall was assigned to an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam, where his jet was shot down on the last day of the Vietnam War. CDR Hall was the last Navy air casualty of the Vietnam War, and the last American to be classified Prisoner of War in the Vietnam War. The circumstances of his eventual death are something of a mystery. I knew him briefly, but I miss him. He was a good man, a good sailor, and a good American.
Half a century later, I'm happy that the Blue Angels are still a part of America's best. Here they are flying over NYC and the East Coast with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds hours ago.
Non sibi sed patriae
Updated On: 5/2/20 at 02:25 PM