Posted by Bob Frank on October 2, 2020:

Even in the First Regiment, Hal's speed and sense of humor were legendary. I never got to socialize with him as a cadet. That all changed when we got to Ft. Campbell. Hal was a fellow 'Geronimo,' that is, a member of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. We were proud of our unit's heritage first as an airborne test bed, then as a storied WWII combat unit. And, as Art Mark noted, Hal became the battalion commander of 1/501 as a second lieutenant! I was lucky enough to make up for the missed opportunities at West Point. Somewhere around Labor Day, Hal and I were at the Hospital Annex O-Club celebrating his upcoming wedding. Actually, I was doing the imbibing while Hal was drinking soda. After over-indulging, I was strongly invited back to Hal's BOQ room to sleep it off. Next morning, I awoke on the floor and found that Hal was already gone - headed for South Carolina and a wedding. The next time I saw him, he was a married man. And to what a lovely partner! On my way back to Vietnam in 1969, I stopped at Ft. Benning. Laverne and Hal gave me shelter and kept me on the straight and narrow. Their generosity and hospitality was most appreciated. I would see both of them again at West Point when I joined the faculty. It was then that I learned Hal was one of the most admired Tacs, a distinction that came as no surprise. Hal was always a 'class act,' but he upped his game when he married Laverne. They were a great team, and I am deeply saddened that the team is down a man. STRENGTH AND DRIVE, Hal!

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