Lt(jg) William E. Hall
U.S. Navy (USN) SBD Dauntless pilot earned Medal of Honor

Background
William Edward Hall was born October 31, 1913 in Storrs, Utah. He attended University of Redlands. During May 1938, he joined the U.S. Navy (USN) and underwent flight training and earned his wings in September 1939.

Wartime History
Lt(jg) William E. Hall was a SBD Dauntless pilot assigned to Scouting Squadron 2 (VS-2). On May 7, 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea he took off on a dive bombing mission against Japanese aircraft carrier Shōhō which resulted in the sinking. On May 8, 1942 he took off to intercept a superior number of Japanese planes and claimed three shot down. Although seriously damaged and wounde, he landed safely. For his actions, he later earned the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor
For his actions May 7, 1942–May 8, 1942, Hall earned the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor (May 7-8, 1942) "For extreme courage and conspicuous heroism in combat above and beyond the call of duty as pilot of a scouting plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. In a resolute and determined attack on 7 May, Lt. (j.g.) Hall dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier, contributing materially to the destruction of that vessel. On 8 May, facing heavy and fierce fighter opposition, he again displayed extraordinary skill as an airman and the aggressive spirit of a fighter in repeated and effectively executed counterattacks against a superior number of enemy planes in which 3 enemy aircraft were destroyed. Though seriously wounded in this engagement, Lt. (j.g.) Hall, maintaining the fearless and indomitable tactics pursued throughout these actions, succeeded in landing his plane safe."

While recovering in Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, he fell in love with the nurse in charge of the ward, Leah Christine "Chris" Chapman. On September 20, 1942 the couple married in Price, UT. On November 21, 1942 bestowed the Medal of Honor by Rear Admiral Ralston S. Holmes, 11th Naval District Commandant at a ceremony in San Diego with his wife, Leah Christine “Chris” Chapman Hall.

In 1946, Hall left the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Memorials
Hall passed away November 15, 1996 in Kansas City, KS. He is buried in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery at section I, site 286.

Relatives
Leah Christine “Chris” Chapman Hall (wife died 2001)

References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - William E. Hall (MOH citation)
FindAGrave - William Edward Hall (photos, grave photo)

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