Navy Federal Credit Union

Flying with the Royal Air Force, Frank Hale became a World War I ACE, credited with shooting down 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Royal Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War I

    Captain Frank Lucien Hale, Royal Air Force, was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during World War I. A brilliant and very gallant officer who never hesitates to attack the enemy however superior in numbers. On 27 September, Lieut. Hale, single-handed, attacked a formation of ten Fokker biplanes who were maneuvering to attack one of our bombing formations; engaging one of the Fokkers, he drove it down out of control, and it was seen to break up in the air. By this gallant action the enemy were diverted from their objective. In the combat Lieut. Hale’s machine and engine were badly damaged; despite this, he, on his return journey, attacked a solitary Fokker and drove it down out of control. This officer has accounted for eight enemy aircraft.