In eulogizing Lieutenant General John “Skip” B. Hall, Jr., his son Adam Hall told attendees to his father’s funeral that, “He led a life of service to his country and his family, selflessly saving nothing for himself.”
It’s been nearly a year since the Town of Mattapoisett lost the highly decorated veteran on November 16, 2020.
Skip Hall grew up in Mattapoisett and emerged as a Class of 1962 basketball star at Fairhaven High School, where he teamed with Mike Fitzgerald to key Fairhaven’s trip to the Tech Tourney. Hall would later attend the University of Massachusetts where he was president of his fraternity and in 1967 joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
As a fighter pilot, Hall was the head of a Fast FAC F-4 unit during two of his three tours in Vietnam and later became commander of all U.S. military in Japan, it says in Adam’s eulogy.
But Hall wore nothing on his sleeve.
“There was a better chance you’d know he was a Red Sox fan before you’d ever know he was a lieutenant general, that he flew more than 3,700 hours in three separate fighter planes including more than 990 combat hours and 435 combat missions,” said the transcript of Adam Hall’s speech. “He might go on and on about his grandchildren, but he’d never mention the multiple U.S. presidents he hosted in his home.”
After three tours of duty flying out of Thailand, Hall was heavily decorated for his service in Vietnam. He retired in 1999 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.
Since retiring from service, Hall has been presented with seven medals chronicled by The Military Times, including: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; the Legion of Merit; a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit; the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight; a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross; and a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Hall enjoyed home field and spoke 20 years ago at Mattapoisett’s Memorial Day service. “He specifically said he did not want to be buried in Arlington (National Cemetery),” said his cousin Bill Hall, formerly Mattapoisett’s tax assessor.
In his eulogy, Adam Hall recalled asking his father about the wooden plate on his desk inscribed, The War Starts Today.
“When I asked him what it meant, he said, ‘It is a reminder to always be prepared, focused, and meticulous because always being ready for war is better than figuring out how to fight it when war comes to you.”
Hall’s Legion of Merit awards are “for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hall and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
The Distinguished Flying Cross medals he received were “for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969, and with the 432d Tactical Fighter Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, from 1970 to 1971, in action over Southeast Asia.”
By Mick Colageo
I had the honor of serving with Gen Hall from 1990 to ’91 as his Executive Officer, while he was the commander of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. He was an a genuine leader, professional and true friend. I learned a lot while under his command. At the end of my tour, he honored me with a “farewell flight” by letting me sit in the back seat of an F-15 as we flew over Okanawa –what a thrill. A few years later, our careers met up once again as we were both stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. I am deeply saddened by the loss of the amazing individual. I wish his family peace and for “Skip”, clear skies and fair winds. Rest in peace my friend. Martin Moerschell, Lt Col.