A Tribute to Harley H. Hall | Produced by Ryan Nothhaft

Captain Harley H. Hall served as Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader of the Blue Angels from 1970 through the 1971 airshow season. Boss Hall’s enduring legacy is one of patriotism, leadership, and a dedication to excellence with his impact felt by all who served alongside him and those who were inspired by his charismatic presence in the movie “Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience ''. Boss Hall’s love for country, steadfast demeanor and sacrifice shall never be forgotten.

Paying tribute in this video to Boss Hall:

Kevin O’Mara | Blue Angels Pilot, 1970-1971
J.D. Davis | Blue Angels Narrator, 1970-1971
Ernie Christensen | Blue Angels Pilot, 1969-1971
Richard Keane | Blue Angels Crew Chief, 1969-1971
Harry Chesnut | Blue Angels Crew Chief, 1969-1971
Bill Switzer | Blue Angels Pilot, 1971-1972

Credit:
Air Show Video Footage: Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience
Thumbnail Images: Harry Gann (Delta photo) | Manuel & Nancy Moreyra ( Harley Hall photo)

Boss Harley H. Hall’s bio as printed in the 1971 Blue Angels yearbook:

CDR HARLEY H. HALL, USN
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE/FLIGHT LEADER, PLANE NO. 1

COMMANDER HARLEY H. HALL, USN, 33 of Vancouver, Washington, entered the Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet in 1957. He was commissioned an Ensign and received his wings in April 1959. Following a two year tour of duty with Attack Squadron 192, where he flew the A-4 Skyhawk, he was assigned to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, where he received a Bachelor of Art Degree in International Relations. Commander Hall was then ordered to the 4526th DCombat Crew Training Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada, where he flew as part of the pilot exchange program with the U.S. Air Force. Whil at Nellis AFB, he accumulated 1,000 flight hours in the F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bomber over an 18 month period. In July 1966, Commander Hall received orders to Fighter Squadron 154 where he made two combat tours to Vietnam and flew over 150 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom. He received orders to report as Officer-in-Charge of the Blue Angels in November 1969. Commander Hall has more than 4000 flight hours, nearly all of which are in jet fighter and attack aircraft. He has 563 carrier landings, with 169 night carrier landings. He holds 11 Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the National Defense Medal, and the Vietnamese Service and Campaign Medals. In 1970, Commander Hall was selected as one of the few “Outstanding Young Men of the Year” in America. He and his wife, the former Mary Lou Marino of Santa Barbara, California, and their daughter Heather, live in Pensacola Florida.