Lieutenant Junior Grade Hale was the pilot of a AD-4L Skyraider Dive Bomber with Fighter Squadron 54 aboard the carrier USS Essex (CV-9). On 27 November 1951, a 250 pound bomb became armed while attached to his aircraft. His attempt to jettison it was unsuccessful. He bailed out over the ocean. After hitting the water he dropped out of sight. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Junior Grade Hale was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart, 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.