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CDR Francis (Frank) Thomas Kleber, USN (...
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In July, 1950, he assumed command of USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869), a unit of the Pacific Fleet which was deployed in the Far East for eight months. He was awarded a gold star in lieu of the third Bronze Star Medal for duties on Arnold J. Isbell. The citation states in part that on June 14, 1951, his ship went to the rescue of USS Thompson, which was under heavy fire from enemy shore batteries and had been his several times, and with 56 rounds, silenced the enemy batteries and prevented Thompson from suffering further damage.
Capt. Fletcher Hale was born in Laconia, N.H. on May 5, 1915. He attended Western High School in Washington, D.C. while his father was a member of Congress from the state of New Hampshire. In June, 1933, he entered the Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign on June 3, 1937.
He assumed command of NTC in September, 1964 and retired on July 1, 1967.
In addition to the Silver Star Medal and Bronze Star Medal with two Gold Stars, Capt. Hale was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with eight operation stars; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the Navy Occupational Service Medal, Asia Clasp; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars.
Capt. Hale resides in La Mesa, Calif.
