James Goodwin Hall

James Goodwin Hall (October 12, 1896 – 1952) was an American stockbroker, business executive, pilot and horse breeder, and oversaw the 8th Air Force and 9th Air Force Photo Reconnaissance during World War II. He was critical in the establishment of Quarter Horses as a separate breed.

Early life James Goodwin Hall was born October 12, 1896, to James Gustin Hall and Annie J. Virgin. His brother, Claude Pinkney Hall was born February 10, 1898.

World War I - 1922 Military Service Hall served as a pilot during World War I. He enlisted in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps on August 10, 1917; completed his preliminary training, and was commissioned January 18, 1918. He then trained in France in the Advanced Bombing School, Claremont Ferrand and assigned to duty with Escadrille BR III (French Day Bombardment Squadron.) On the 10th of October, 1918, he was relieved from duty with the French and assigned to the 163rd Day Bombardment Squadron, A.E.F.; he was appointed Flight Commander October 15, 1918. He served with this Squadron until hostilities ceased and the Group Commander on January 8, 1919, strongly recommended him for a commission in the Regular Army, stating that he had been under his own close observation, that he was excellent material, and that if commissioned he would like to have Lieutenant Hall under his own command. His Squadron Commander rated him as an excellent pilot and states that he performed all his duties as a Flight Commander with remarkable success. Hall served at the front lines until the Armistice.

Hall was credited with the following World War I Campaigns.

When he returned to the U.S. from the Philippines in early summer of 1920, he lived life as a civilian before choosing to rejoin the Air Service almost a year later. Hall was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Air Service in the Officer Reserve Corps in April 1921. The commission was approved October 25, 1921. He reported for duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he was appointed 2nd Lt. Field Artillery Regular Army, on 22 August 1921, commission effective November 1, 1921. He signed his Oath of Office for the 2nd Lt. Field Artillery on November 25, 1921.

Hall remained at Fort Sill as an artillery instructor until he requested a discharge by way of resignation. His wife was found to have tubercular trouble and a move to a warmer climate was required. During his time at Fort Sill, he was promoted to a 1st Lieutenant in a Field Artillery Division. His service ended and he officially resigned from the military as of August 25, 1922.

Career James G. Hall had a career that focused on aviation, transportation, and the stock market. The highlights of his career life, prior to World War II include: Later, he served as the vice president of Graham-Paige, a car company, where he was in charge of the Southwestern United States.

In 1931, Hall became Commander of the Crusaders and helped to establish chapters throughout the U.S. to aid in the repeal of the 18th Amendment. He owned a Lockheed Orion "The Crusader" which established many flight records including the following: and he surpassed Frank Hawks' flying speed record. Havana to New York non-stop record. New York - Chicago - New York, record 8 hours. Broke Hawks' record. Vancouver, B.C. to Aqua Caliente, Mexico, non-stop record, breaking Col. Roscoe Turner's, and many other records of shorter distances. Bendix Trophy Race, 1931 - Los Angeles, California to Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to 1932, Hall had flown all types of single and multi-motored commercial and military equipment built prior to 1932. He owned several seaplanes and fast land planes.

Equestrianism Hall served as the first treasurer of the American Quarter Horse Association. He also produced early films about Quarter Horses in the Southwest.

Personal life Hall first married Ida Belle Thomas (1892–1974) in 1921 in San Diego, California. They had a son Howard Earle Coffin Hall (1923–2012). The couple divorced in 1927.

Hall married a second time to Anne Valliant Burnett Tandy, Awards and Decorations: Hall was highly decorated during World War II. His awards and decorations include the following.

Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster The Bronze Star Medal Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters EAME Campaign Medal with 6 Bronze Service Stars Victory Medal Commander of the British Empire French Legion of Honor (Officer) French Croix de Guerre with 2 Palms Luxembourg Croix de Guerre Belgium Croix de Guerre

Highest Rank: Colonel

Death and legacy Hall died in 1952 in New York City. He was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame posthumously, in 1952. He was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.