<p>
On the 12th of February 1951 when news that <em>Tom Hall</em> had not returned from a night intruder combat mission over North Korea was received, every one who knew him felt that if anyone could survive a crash, and walk back, then Tom could. This belief was not only due to his physical condition and hardiness but to the determination and strength of character that so typified him.</p>
<p>
His presence aboard the B-26 was an example of the type of leadership for which he was noted. Tom had served as Commander of the 3d Bomb Wing in 1950, during combat operations, had flown his missions and had been re-assigned to command a base in Japan. His loyalty to his former outfit which I know was returned in full measure by those who were in that unit, prompted him to participate with them again in their hazardous night intruder missions.</p>
<p>
I served in the 9th Air Force with Tom during World War II and the reputation of his group was outstanding. I remember that he was a proponent of the long bomb run as a means of improving his bombing accuracy. Heretofore, most bomb units took evasive action from enemy flak (the Martin B-26s flew at 10-12,000 ft.) and straightened out for a bomb run of about thirty seconds or so before releasing their bonibload. The length of the bomb run did increase appreciably the accuracy of the group’s bombing. His stability under pressure was one of the characteristics that made him such a fine leader. The extended bomb run is an example of his ability to analyze the objective, set his goal and to attain it despite the many difficulties.</p>
<p>
Lieutenant General Samuel E. Anderson who commanded the 9th Bomber Command during World War II had this to say about him:</p>
<p>
“I would like to say that Tom was one of the finest commanders it has ever been my good fortune to have serve under me. He was a great leader, both in combat, in the air and on the ground. He personally led more than 50 of the most dangerous and difficult missions his group flew during World War II. That his group, the 344th had one of the best records, both in combat and otherwise, in the Ninth Air Force during World War II was very largely due to Tom’s inspiring leadership, and exceptionally close attention to all of the multitudinous problems which confront any commander in time of war. When I heard that he was missing in Korea I felt that the Air Force had lost one of the finest young officers and one of its most promising commanders.”</p>
<p>
In re-reading the “<em>Howitzer</em>” and recalling my own associations with Tom and in talking with many of his classmates and friends, I am struck by the universal respect and devotion with which he was held. His even temper and pleasant amiable personality won him his many friends. His steadfastness and devotion to his principles earned him their admiration and respect, even though, in some cases I know of, he pursued a course which was not the easy one or which was contrary to their ideas. This respect and devotion has been stated succinctly and well by General Thomas D. White, Vice Chief, USAF:</p>
<p>
“The first time I saw First Lieutenant Thomas B. Hall was aboard a ship when he arrived in Rio de Janiero, Brazil to become a member of the Air Mission. The last time was when a lone P-51 with Tom as pilot, saluted my B-17 against the background of Fujiyama, as I was departing Japan for the ZI. In those intervening years I learned to respect, admire and love Tom Hall as I have few people in this world.”</p>
<p>
Tom was born on the 26th of September 1910 in Chama, New Mexico. His grade school days were spent at the Public School in Chama and at The St. Agnes School in Los Angeles, where his parents had a winter home. He went to Regis High School in Denver, Colorado. To quote from the Regis Alumni Bulletin after Tom was missing: “Colonel Hall attended Regis from 1924 to 1928. Colonel Hall wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill student, but was a three time honor student and football player.” From Regis, Tom went to New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell where he won the championship medal in boxing in his weight group.</p>
<p>
Tom entered the Military Academy in July 1929 where he proceeded to make a host of friends. He played football and lacrosse and did some wrestling. The short biographical sketch in the <em>”Howitzer</em>” contained a statement which I have heard said so many times that it has become almost axiomatic, “The Corps possessed no better hearted man.” Tom chose the airplane over the horse and the year following graduation was spent at Randolph and Kelly. After he got his wings, he spent a couple of years in the Canal Zone and several more at March Field. In August 1940, Tom went to Brazil as a member of the U.S. Mission. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1942, he was assigned as group executive and finally group commander to the 394th Bomb Group, MacDill Field. In February 1944 he took the group overseas to the E.T.O., where his intensive training and exacting standards paid off in bombing results. Following the war, he spent two years as assistant professor of Portuguese at the U.S. Military Academy. In August 1948 Tom went to Japan where he served as CO of the 314th Air Division until the outbreak of the Korean War. For a while he was Director of Joint Operations, 5th Air Force and from May 1950 to August 1950 as Commanding Officer, 3d Bomb Wing in combat operations against North Korea. Following his combat tour, he returned to Japan as CO of the 35th Fighter Interceptor Wing. It was while he was commanding the Base at Johnston Air Base that he returned to Korea to visit his old outfit and while on a mission with them that he was lost.</p>
<p>
His meritorious service was recognized by the State of New Mexico in the following resolution:</p>
<p>
A RESOLUTION WISHING GODSPEED FOR THE SAFETY OF COLONEL THOMAS B. HALL BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:</p>
<p>
WHEREAS, the people of the State of New Mexico have been grieved by reports that Colonel Thomas B. Hall has been missing in action in the Korean Theater of Operations and WHEREAS, the family of Colonel Thomas B. Hall has brought distinction and dignity to the State of New Mexico and WHEREAS, his personality and disposition has won for him a host of friends and universal respect In his capacity as an officer of the Army of the United States,</p>
<p>
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO in session assembled, do hereby express on behalf of the people of the State of New Mexico, to the beloved wife and mother of Colonel Thomas B. Hall, their most sincere hopes for Godspeed of the early return of Colonel Thomas B. Hall, husband and son, and,</p>
<p>
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Clerk of this House be and he hereby is instructed to mail certified copies of this Resolution to the beloved wife and mother, respectively of the said Colonel Thomas B. Hall, and to the superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.</p>
<p>
<em>Alvin Stockton</em><br />
Speaker, House of Representatives</p>
<p>
Lilburn C. Homan, Chief Clerk.</p>
<p>
Approved by me this 30 day of January 1953</p>
<p>
Edwin L. Mechetn<br />
Governor of the State of New Mexico</p>
<p>
It has been observed by all of us that sometimes the most objective and realistic analyses of commanders come from the officers and airmen who served under them. For that reason and because it shows the affection and respect with which Tom was regarded, I am closing by quoting from an airman who was closely associated with Tom for many years. Master Sergeant Beaith says:</p>
<p>
“During the time I worked for him, I found him one of the most thoughtful, understanding and fair men I have known. If things didn’t turn out as he expected, he didn’t blame me or lose his temper.</p>
<p>
“From men who have served under Colonel Hall, I have heard very high praise. They have said and I know from my own observation, that he took the initiative and didn’t expect his men to do things he wasn’t willing to do himself. He was a leader in the true sense of the word, and always had the welfare of the men in mind.</p>
<p>
“I miss Colonel Hall very much but I am thankful that I knew him as long as I did. My life has been richer for having associated with a person of his character. .</p>
<p>
Tom’s services in peace and war were recognized by the following decorations:</p>
<p>
Purple Heart; Legion of Merit; Silver Star; DFC (OLC); Air Medal with Silver OLC and 3 Bronze OLC: Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem; French Croix de Guerre; Belgian Croix de Guerre. 1940 with Palm; Brazilian Southern Cross, Grade of Officer; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Emblem.</p>
<p>
When Tom was reported missing, the Chaplain of his unit wrote the following to his wife: “Whatever the outcome, your husband is in the hand of God. He was not only the finest officer but the finest man I ever met. He saw life in relation to eternal values and, while advancing to positions of responsibility in his chosen profession, he always recognized as paramount his allegiance to Our Lord.”</p>