When I got to the seventh grade, I became close friends with Freddie Hall forever.
We did a lot of camping together and were in band, chorus, and orchestra together throughout high school.
After graduation, Freddie went to the University of North Carolina and then volunteered for the Air Force. After basic training, Freddie entered flight school and became an F-4D fighter-bomber navigator.
In December of 1968 he and Julie, whom he met when in training in Arizona, got married and drove across the country from California to visit home in North Carolina. After that visit, we told him goodbye, and he was sent to Vietnam the end of February.
On April 12, Freddie and his pilot, Colonel Ernest DeSoto, were recalled to DaNang before completing a mission. Their plane entered a cloud bank and never emerged. No wreckage or other record of the lost plane were ever discovered.
For the past fifty-four years we have all lived not knowing what happened to Freddie. His parents both died never knowing. He was simply listed as MIA. (There are still 1,235 servicemen listed as MIA from Vietnam.)
In March of this year their wrecked plane was discovered just over the Vietnam border in Laos. From the tail number, DNA analysis, and Freddie’s wallet on board, remains were secured and identified as Freddie and Colonel DeSoto.
On Tuesday, October 10, it was my privilege to give the eulogy as Freddie was returned for burial at home in WAYNESVILLE.
The honor parade was led by a bagpiper and Main Street was lined with hundreds of people, including countless veterans, many of whom came from far away. It was an emotionally moving remembrance.
With full military honors, including a three gun salute and a closing fly-over, we finally said goodbye to Freddie knowing at last the end of the story. The folded flag and other symbols were presented to his widow, Julie. She will be buried here with him when her time comes.
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