Norwich University

Hale Mason accomplished many great things during his four years at Norwich University. Mason was a four-year starter in basketball and baseball. he gained the nickname "pro" after coach Stuffy McGinnis of the Philadelphia A's said he had all the natural talent and ability to play professional baseball.

'Pro' was a versatile baseball player. He played first, third, and shortstop during his four seasons while hitting for more than a .400 average as Norwich won nearly 70 percent of its games. 'Pro' hit a .500 clip while serving at the team co-captain in his senior year. 

Mason also captained the basketball team in his senior year. The 1939-40 Cadet team had its most successful season in several years, beating Vermont twice and losing to St. Michael's in a late season game to determine the Vermont College Championship. 'Pro' was selected to the Vermont All-State Team.

In addition to his exploits in basketball and baseball, 'Pro' played freshman football and played a few games for the newly started hockey team. As a freshman, he was awarded the Allen Winter Rowe Gold Medal and scholarship for showing the greatest all-around development. At his commencement in 1940 he was honored with the Athletic Council Trophy "for having contributed the most to Norwich Athletics."

Hale taught and coached for one year at Bradford Academy following his graduation before being called to service in the Signal Corps. Shortly thereafter he was commissioned in the regular Army through a competitive selection. He served three years in Europe in command and staff positions while taking part in seven campaigns. Hale was awarded three invasion arrowheads and a Bronze Star. After the war, he attended the Advanced Officers Signal School and the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a master's degree in Electronics.

Hale retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel in 1954 and joined the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, later Calspan Corporation, in Buffalo, N.Y. He worked for 19 years asa a principal electronics engineer on many weapons systems studies and evaluations for the Armed Services before retiring in 1973. Hale and his wife, Bertha, live in Buffalo, N.Y. They have four children; Hale, John, James, and Barbara.