Harold "Hal" Guy Hevener Jr.

Harold (Hal) Passed away April 21, 2012. Hal was born in Santa Ana, Ca to Harold and Alice Hevener Aug. 14, 1920. Hal was raised in Fullerton, Ca. with his older sister, Genevieve. After graduating from Fullerton High School in 1938, Hal entered San Diego State College, where he met his future soul mate, wife and partner in life for 69 years, Maxine. On Dec. 7th 1941, Hal and several of his fraternity brothers volunteered for the Army Air Corps. After training as an Aviation Cadet, Hal earned his wings and became a Second Lieutenant June 23, 1942 at Luke Field, Az.. He married his college sweetheart, Maxine, in San Diego on July 25, 1942.

After 6 months of training as a B-24 bomber pilot, he and his crew were sent into combat in the Southwest Pacific Dec. 25, 1942 as part of the 5th Air force, 90th bomb group (H), 319th squadron. Hal flew 36 combat missions, amassing 306 combat hours. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He and his crew shot down eight enemy planes and sank two 8,500 ton freighters. Upon Hal’s return to the U.S., he became a B-24 instructor pilot and after 8 months was transferred to the air transport command Pacific Division, flying C-54’s. Even though the war was not officially over, Hal landed the 52nd plane at Atsugi, Japan on Aug. 29, 1945 to evacuate U.S. POWs to Okinawa and their first step back to freedom. In Jan. of 1946, he was transferred to the active reserve with a mobilization assignment to the Strategic Air Command at Castle Air Force Base, Merced, Ca.

While continuing to serve in the reserves, Hal reentered San Diego State College to complete a teaching degree. He received a BA degree and General Secondary Teaching Credential in 1949 and a Master of Arts Degree in history in 1950. He accepted a teaching position at Sierra Joint Union High School where taught for 28 years. He became the Chairman of the Social Science Department, sponsored and advised many Senior classes and added a unit of the California Cadet Corps to the curriculum.

Hal continued to maintain his training commitment to Castle Air Force Base and the 93rd Combat Support Group. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. assigned as Base Vice Commander to support the B-52’s 93rd Wing of SAC at Castle AFB. He was a life member of MOAA and ROA and his decorations are displayed on two plaques in the Fresno Legion of Honor building lobby.

Hal and Maxine were very active as they brought up their family and extended families. They enjoyed the being part of the faculty family at Sierra, and the Moose Society. They enjoyed playing golf, camping, and trailering over most of the U. S. and parts of Canada and Mexico. They also took many trips over seas on ocean cruises, river cruises and guided tours with friends and relatives, to Hawaii, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Central America, South America, Australia and New Zealand. They also enjoyed taking an active roll in the development of their grand children and great grand children

Hal is survived by his wife Maxine and three children and their spouses. Harold III was born during WW II and married Judith Ann Cook. Pamela Lynn, born upon Hal’s return to the U.S. after WW II, married Eric Berryhill. Charles Richard was born during Hal’s training as a teacher at San Diego State and would later serve in Viet Nam. Hal is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A Graveside service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery (6795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, Ca.) with full military honors on Monday April 30, at 11 A.M. In Lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to California Veteran's Home Fund. Condolences may be offered on this site.