06/07/2026
Our continuing series about those whose names are on the memorials at Erie County Veterans Memorial Park continues.
Army Pfc. Henry Harley Hall Jr. was killed in action on D-Day, June 6, 1944, on Omaha Beach. His actions that day, while at the cost of his life, earned him the nation’s second highest military honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, for courage under fire.
On June 6, 1944, Pfc. Hall landed at H+30 in an eight-man team with the 397th AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion in 18 LCVPs earmarked for Omaha Beach between Dog Green and Fox Green sections, a deadly area. The battalion was attached to the 16th Regimental Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division, known as the Big Red One.
His citation called out his “extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman …, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Private First Class Hall's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States. …”
Just how he was killed is not officially described, though his friend, Albert Firster wrote a poem that says it was a sniper’s bullet. Harley Hall was one of three from his eight-man team killed that day. The other five were wounded.
Henry Harley Hall Jr. was born in Corry September 11, 1923, to Henry H. and Ruth Hall. His siblings were Charles, Helen, Robert and Roger. They grew up in Corry where their father was employed at Aero Supply Mfg. Co. In 1940, the family lived at 671 East South Street. Harley attended Corry High School where he was known as “Curly.” He was active in the Study Club, Nature Club and Football. Hall enlisted in the Army with his friend, Albert Firster, on February 11, 1943, in Erie.
He is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery, Corry.
