Airman Haigh was a member of the crew of the carrier USS Kearsarge (CV-33). On 11 October 1952, the ship's helicopter, while being parked with rotors engaged, tipped over killing four crewmen and injuring six.

Haigh was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.