Transcribed from Rocky Mountain Region Bulletin
Volume 20 – No. 10 / October 1937

Rex A Hale, was born May 3, 1916, at Afton, Wyoming, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hale.

When he was eleven years old he met with a serious accident. While attending to his traps, a 410 shotgun, which he was using, discharged, striking him in his right knee, almost demolishing it.  It was thought that his leg would have to be amputated, but an operation by a skilled physician proved to be successful. After wearing a cast for several months he was able to use it almost perfectly.

He entered Star Valley High School in 1930.  In spite of his physical handicap he proved to be a star athlete in his high school career.

He graduated in 1934 and then enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps, with the Company located in Jackson, Wyoming.  He acted as Company clerk for about one year.  He was then transferred to the Alpine camp, where he was forestry clerk.

In June 1936, he married Roberta E. Miller of Afton, Wyoming.  They made their home in Afton, until his appointment in April 1937, (only twenty years of age) as Junior Assistant to Technician, at the Wapiti Camp, F-24W located in the Shoshone National Forest.  Thereupon, Hale moved his family to Cody.

Besides his wife and infant daughter, he is survived by his parents, one sister and six brothers.

Hale was bright, had a pleasing personality and was well liked by his associates. The energy, enthusiasm, interest, leadership and ambition displayed by him during his period of service at the Wapiti Camp gave great promise of a credible career when his life was so ruthlessly cut off by the fire demon.

Editor’s Note: Biography prepared from information furnished by Mrs. Hale and forest officers.