Fred W. Hall Jr.: A Life of Valor and Service

Fred W. Hall Jr. (1920–2017) lived a life marked by service—to his country, his community, and future generations. From storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II to serving as a trusted civic leader in New Hampshire, Hall’s dedication spanned decades and left a lasting legacy.

Born in Franklin, New Hampshire, and raised in Nashua, Hall graduated from Nashua High School in 1937 as class orator. He went on to earn a political science degree from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in 1941 through the ROTC program.

Just 22 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hall was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One,” and shipped off to the front lines of World War II.

During the war, Hall participated in eight combat campaigns, including three major amphibious landings—in North Africa, Sicily, and on D-Day in Normandy. On June 6, 1944, he landed at Omaha Beach, where he later recalled that only 14 of the 28 men in his landing craft survived. He served throughout the European Theater as a company officer, battalion operations officer (S-3), and regimental intelligence officer (S-2).

For his heroic service, Hall was awarded:

• Two Silver Stars

• Three Bronze Stars

• The Combat Infantryman Badge

• The French Croix de Guerre

• And later, the French Legion of Honor in 2012 for his role in the liberation of France

After World War II, Hall remained active in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was recalled to duty during the Korean War era and continued serving until his retirement in 1966 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

His commitment to service extended far beyond the battlefield. Hall earned a law degree from the University of Michigan and returned to New Hampshire, where he practiced law in Rochester for more than 60 years. He was a powerful advocate, community leader, and mentor.

From 1970 to 1978, Hall served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New Hampshire, a key liaison role that earned him the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. He also served as director of alumni affairs at UNH, a trustee, and eventually chair of the university’s board, continuing his lifelong dedication to education and public leadership.

Fred Hall’s impact on his local community was profound. He was named Rochester Citizen of the Year in 2007, served on civic boards including the Rochester Opera House, and remained active in veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He also privately penned a detailed memoir of his wartime experiences—a testament to his memory, humility, and commitment to preserving history for his family.

Fred W. Hall Jr. passed away on January 20, 2017, at the age of 96. He is buried in Rochester Cemetery in Rochester, New Hampshire. His legacy lives on through the people and institutions he helped shape—and in the freedoms he helped secure.

Sources

• UNH Magazine – “Fred W. Hall Jr. ’41: A Life of Service”

• Foster’s Daily Democrat – “Hall receives France’s highest honor”

• The Rochester Voice – Obituary

• Legacy.com – Obituary listing