The Tragic Final Flight of CAPT Harley Hall | a Comprehensive Account with Ernie Christensen
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2024
- On January 27, 1973, a significant chapter in U.S. military history concluded with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, marking the end of American military involvement in Vietnam. Yet, this date is also remembered for a poignant tragedy, the loss of three esteemed aviators: Navy Captain Harley H. Hall, and Air Force Captains William W. Morris, Jr., and Mark A. Peterson.
For the first time on video, RADM Ernie Christensen, USN (Ret.), shares a personal account of the events leading to the loss of these American heroes. At the time, Christensen was the Operations Officer of VF-142, "The Ghostriders," serving his fourth tour in Vietnam aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He worked closely with Commander Harley H. Hall, then the Executive Officer (XO) of VF-143, "The Pukin Dogs," and the Flight Leader during their tenure with the Blue Angels in 1970.
On their final mission, Hall, Christensen, and their squadrons embarked in their F-4J Phantom II jets towards Quang Tri Province, near the Demilitarized Zone. Hall's rear seat was occupied by Lieutenant Commander Al Kientzler, acting as a radar intercept officer (RIO) for this mission.
Despite it being the final day of hostilities, conflicts near the Cua Viet River escalated as the North Vietnamese Army advanced towards the South. Tasked by a Forward Air Controller (FAC), Cdr Hall and his wingman, Lt Terry Heath, aimed to disrupt a North Vietnamese truck convoy. Tragically, during their third pass, Hall's jet was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Unable to maneuver the damaged F4 to safety, Hall and Kientzler ejected over a nearby village.
A swift search and rescue mission ensued, involving a U.S. Air Force OV-10 Bronco piloted by Captain George William Morris, Jr., and Captain Mark Allan Peterson. In their urgent effort to save the Navy pilots, their OV-10 was downed by a surface-to-air missile, leading to their own ejection into the jungle. Sadly, they were fatally wounded by enemy fire shortly after landing.
Lt Kientzler was later released from North Vietnam in March 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming, but Cdr Hall was never returned and remained listed as POW until 1979. Despite no evidence or remains ever recovered, his status was changed to "Killed" in 1979 by the U.S. government.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) lists 684 POWs returned home alive from the Vietnam War. As of December 5th, 2023, 1,578 Americans are still listed as missing and unaccounted-for.
For an in-depth exploration of Harley Hall’s life, the book “Left Alive to Die” by Susan Keen is highly recommended.
Ernie Christensen concluded his distinguished Navy career as a Rear Admiral in June 1997. His remarkable service record includes over 5,200 flight hours and five combat tours, during which he completed 360 missions and performed landings on seven distinct aircraft carriers. A notable highlight of RADM Christensen's career was his two-year tenure with the Blue Angels, where he was pivotal in their transition to the F4 Phantom in 1969. His leadership roles were equally impressive, including serving as the Commanding Officer (CO) of TOPGUN, the USS Kansas City, and the USS Ranger (CV-61).
Video Produced by: Ryan Nothhaft
Special Thanks to:
Ernie Christensen & the Hall Family for participating and granting permission to publish this video
Visual Resources and Footage:
- Kate Gibson-Woods: Videographer of Interview
- Robert Dallas: VF 143 Footage
- U.S. National Archives: USS Enterprise, F4 Phantom Cockpit Footage & Photos
- Ron Rentfrow: Photos of CAPT Harley H. Hall - บันเทิง
The featured speaker in this video is Ernie Christensen, who concluded his distinguished Navy career as a Rear Admiral in June 1997. His remarkable service record includes over 5,200 flight hours and five combat tours, during which he completed 360 missions and performed landings on seven distinct aircraft carriers. A notable highlight of RADM Christensen's career was his two-year tenure with the Blue Angels, where he was pivotal in their transition to the F4 Phantom in 1969. His leadership roles were equally impressive, including serving as the Commanding Officer (CO) of TOPGUN, the USS Kansas City, and the USS Ranger (CV-61).
A man who lived a mere 36 years leaves a legacy and memory long after he passed. One should be so fortunate to make such an impact on so many lives as Captain Hall.
When my Father introduced me to Harley Hall, Skip Umstead and Steve Shoemaker at the Blue Angels New Orleans airshow in 1970, I immediately became motivated to join AVROC and pursue my wings upon entering college in 1972 (his plan all along). When Dad told me he and Al had been shot down, I prayed like never before for their safe return. We didn't learn about Captain Morris and Captain Petersen until later. I've worn Harley's POW-MIA bracelet since receiving it from VIVA in 1974. Captain Harley H. Hall, you are Not forgotten ... ^v^
What a dam, damn F****** shame!! I served with the 1st Marine Division in Viet-Nam. I am still alive today in part due to the skill and heroism of our Marine, Naval, and Air Force pilots.
I watched Commander Hall’s last performance as Blue Angel Boss at Annapolis. After that show it was announced he was to be deployed to WESPAC soon after. I have worn his POW-MIA bracelet since learning of his loss for all these years next to my bracelet for Robert Todd, U. S. Marine KIA VN 1967
Thank you for honoring Commander Harley Hall.
I’m glad you survived that stupid mission. Just one more of so many pointless missions
I’ve worn Captain Harley H. Hall’s POW-MIA bracelet (1-27-73) since 1984, all through Desert Shield/Storm, 9/11, OEF, and to this day. Since the day my children were taught to pray, they added him to the list of family members to pray for. You Sir, are not and will not be forgotten. I pray that one day I may send it to his family upon his return.
“This is the last one guys, don’t do anything stupid.” How about cancelling a completely unnecessary mission which would have changed NOTHING as to the outcome of this war? Wouldn’t that have been avoiding doing something “stupid.”? We lost so many brave men and women but this mission strikes me as particularly asinine. I served during this time as ground support for several VF squadrons and I admire each and every pilot who served our country. Such a waste of human life was this mission.
Yeah and I think that to hear Stephen Coontz tell it in his book, this guy requested 6 passes, when he could have done it all in one.
Thank you for posting this Ryan. Both of my next door neighbors lost their fathers in Vietnam. The gold star prominently displayed on their homes is a daily reminder of the sacrifices so many have made.
Sigh, I was there on the Enterprise flight deck. A young ADJ-3 attached to VAQ-131. Brings back some memories from another life.
January 27th is such an infamous day...We lost CAPT Harley Hall and the three Apollo 1 astronauts. To this day, I wear his POW/MIA bracelet...He is NOT forgotten...
Thank you for putting the 2 tragic events together - Both the same day . I had not realized - Wow
@@bobwilson758 Even more eerie is that STS-51-L "Challenger" scrubbed on the 28th of January 1986...Then the next day was lost due to failed O-ring on one of the SRBs...
Terrible story. I flew my tour in CH 46s and near end of tour deaths were gut wrenching. There were five of us guys as groomsmen in a Pensacola Wedding. We were all close. The groom died his first week in country. The second died leaving country, OV10 fuel cross feed didn’t work. He ejected over the Philippine Sea and drowned. The third was killed during training in Korea in an A 4. These were three of seven friends lost in their 20s. 58000 good men, and a few gals, died for naught. Apparently we never learn.
This may sound naive... but what military leadership sends men on a combat mission on the day they know the war is ending? It's already been settled at the point. What a tragic waste.
I was harleys white shirt on the flight deck AE-3 trouble shooter. He was one hell of a pilot.❤🙏🏻
Very sad war from beginning to end. Over 58,000 went with Harley! Thank you for this! God Bless Harley & all the others.
Yeah and 3,500,000 Vietnamese.
@@mongolike513 True, you do have a point...and our 58,000 would be home & grandfather's like me.
This story was before my time but I joined VF-142 in '83. This is good story to hear. Thank you for posting.
Served under then Capt. Christensen on board USS Ranger 1990-91 with Atckron 155 have utmost respect for this man best time of my life
I served on the Enterprise during this Westpac. I remember Commander Hall being shot down, and lost. My wife and I were staying at a casino in Laughlin, Nevada, in approximately 2013, when the traveling MIA wall came through town. I looked on the wall and I found Cmdr Hall‘s name. I was deeply moved. He will be missed by his family and by every Navy member that ever served.
What a silly thing. To have to go on a last mission when the war is over in an hr. The minds of those in command make me wonder sometimes. Really what was the point? Maybe I’m all wrong here but it’s pretty sad
What is worse was the infamous ending of WW 1. Command knew on 10 Nov 1918 an armistice would be signed, effective yet we still sent troops over the top all for land that the Germans were going evacuate in 24 hrs. The Armistice was agreed upon at 5:00 a.m. on 11 November 1918, to come into effect at 11:00 a.m. for which reason the occasion is sometimes referred to as "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month". Signatures were made between 5:12 a.m. and 5:20 a.m. And we still sent troops over the top. The Brits did not even do that. The British army did "unleash the hate" by firing as much artillery as they could....just because...but they did not send their troops on a point less mission.
I guess for the Harley's Tap Room flight, at least they were helping our South Vietnames allies as they were still in the fight regardless of our exit.
A very moving and poignant tribute. War is such a pointless tragedy.
Thinking about Harley - will find his name on the wall next time in Washington. Thank you for sharing such a story.
I am so sad that we wasted the lives of these great men. That we could have spent thousands of lives for a fight that we then later walked away from. Feels just like Afghanistan. When will we learn.
Sad that names kept adding to those on the wall until 1975, the number of Vietnamese deaths both north and south dwarfs our 58 k. Sad time in American history
My Dad, CDR Vern Jumper, was a VF-21 and VF-121 Phantom pilot. What is sad is that any single U.S. Navy aircraft carrier had the weaponry to end the war in one afternoon. My Dad did his combat missions during 65 / 66 when he wasn’t busy with his CAG LSO duties on those two cruises. At 92 years young today, Dad can still name the many men who left the decks of the USS Midway and Coral Sea, never to return.
Doesn't make any sense, why did they even have to have a mission that day. An hour later and they wouldn't even had to fly.
Looking back from a historical perspective it is difficult to see the point of their mission. Somebody, somewhere decided it was necessary to put a few more U.S. servicemen in harms way and the orders were executed. These men, being duty-bound and men of honor, accepted their orders and carried out the mission as instructed. To them, it didn't matter if this was the first mission of the war or the last, they were going to perform their duties with professionalism and integrity to the end. A very sad and tragic day and I thank Admiral Christensen for sharing this very painful memory. Heroes, one and all.
@@TheCousinEddie well, I served 25 years, albeit I had some pull at the end, I would have respectfully declined that order, they knew the war was ending in an hour, no court martials would ever persecute for that based on another list service member in combat. Of course that was them this is now, today we know about terrorism and escalation.
The cease fire was signed and became effective on January 27, 1973 ... but the VC and NVA continued to push South toward Saigon and were continuing to brutally engage anyone in their way. Harley was the last Tailhook aviator lost in the war ... but not the last American. We continued to have troops-in-contact until the hectic evacuation of our Saigon Embassy ended on the afternoon of April 30, 1975. Many more men were lost between those two dates ... most were infantry and special forces covering our withdrawal. Never Forget ... ^v^
I had never heard the story of these heroes!! Rest well. Thanks to you who made this.
I own a collectors edition video of the Blue Angels with the F4 Phantoms that features Capt. Hall and the other team members at the time. God Bless all these Gallant men.
I was a plane captain with VF - 142 that day. . last day of the war I am surprised this is being told
Just finished my tour at 143, there’s still a plaque with his story just outside the ready room.
I served on the Enterprise at that time and knew the Cmdr Harley Hall. I was an enlisted man and he always was friendly and a genuine nice man! To this day it saddens me when it the of this man tragic demise! This should have never happened! The people responsible for this unnecessary and stupid mission should have been held responsible! I hope their souls rot in hell! REST IN PEACE CAPTAIN HALL! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
Thank you for that story.
As a Viet nam vet there are to many of these stories, I followed two older brothers over there and always loved the talk between the guys. Yet we came home and hardly ever mention those days.
I too lost many friends over there, I was Nail 13 out of NKP and UBON....hurt and tears never leave....
🙏🇺🇸RIP, Hero and I most respectfully Salute you🇺🇸🙏
sad even to this day to think of all those lives wasted, and now who we fought against we embrace
"Thank You" for my FREEDOM and Rest in Peace...
The Vietnam conflict (it wasn't a war) was never about freedom in the USA. All those young men died for absolutely nothing.
I am so thankful for the men and women who have fought and died in this country my country in which I love dearly thank you so much for your sacrifices. I will see you in heaven one day and personally hug and thank you.
I was in CIC on the Enterprise that day.
Sometimes almost impossible to find the rignt words. Very sorry for this long ago loss. May he rest in peace. Glad Mr. Chtistensen made it home. Welcome home, Sir.
Remembering Harley, 51 years later.
👍
😢
I guess the NVA figured they didn’t have to take any more prisoners.
All good men. No doubt. But the entire war was a needless tragedy. The Linebacker II bombings of the previous year killed almost 100 children on Kham Thien Street in Hanoi. After that, I wouldn't have taken prisoners either.
The war hadn't ended and I think I'd still be a little pissed after being on the receiving end of a couple of bombing runs that likely killed some comrades. War is war.
The courage
❤ R.I.P ❤
I met Harley hall when the blue angels can toutah 1970 he s truly a American hero
So what about Harley’s backseater, Al, what happened to him?
Hey folks, pardon me for not knowing, but what does it mean to clear the chutes? I'm aware it has something to do with the parachutes after ejection, just not sure what.
Sad story
Why were any missions scheduled knowing the end was set? IMO senseless.
Why would they send you up knowing it's over?
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!
🙏🕯🇺🇸
On angels wings. They died as warriors of the air.
Kinda like "All Quiet on the Western Front". The Germans have surrendered. The war ends at 11:00 am on the 11th of Nov. The general sends the ground troops out with 15 minutes left. Needless loss because of arrogance. I'm not sayin the navy was arrogant or foolish; but was that loss REALLY neccessary? IMO: NO. Heroes no the less.
Stephen Coontz was also on this mission, and has a very different take on it.
Wasn't a A-7 flown by a former blue angel also in 1973?
Dam it man
Another notable event that day I showed up. 🤪
What??! 🤔
EXTREMELY confused. A Naval CAPTAIN -- remember that an Airforce/Army and Marine CAPTAIN is an O-3. In the Nay, the rank of CAPTAIN in an 0-6. A drastic difference. Then the OV-10 was an Army and Air Force aircraft unless you had inter-service situations. I am NOT aware of the Navy buying/Using/Acquiring the 'Bronco'. I could be wrong about that, but I do not think that I am. Again, EXTREMELY confused.
The services worked together. You had both USAF aircraft & USN aircraft & respective aircrews working these missions together.
was this mission really necessary?l was over there to, thanks to LBJ there was alot of unnecessary missions god bless all the men who served there.
Where did the NVA got those SAMs? China and the Soviets? same protagonist today
Hazards of combat
Unfortunately being in a war zone has its dangers
Enemy fire does tend to be accurate!
Was this before or after John Kerry partied with the NVA in Hanoi?