World War II Honoree

James E. Hill, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Honored By

Rotary Club of Colorado Springs

His 37-year military career began December 8, 1941, when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. A P-47 fighter pilot, flying 128 missions in World War II, shooting down five enemy planes and earning the title of "ace." Presented with the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 388th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 21 October 1944. Brilliant aerial skill and unswerving courage marked the performance while directing squadron in aerial combat against a superior number of German planes. Under inspiring leadership the squadron destroyed eleven enemy aircraft and damaged five more. By determination and aerial proficiency forced two enemy pilots to crash to the ground. Also received Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 388th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action while leading a squadron of eleven P-47's on 18 April 1945. Encountered and aggressively attacked a numerically superior force of ME-109's. Demonstrating cool judgment and daring courage, personally destroyed three enemy aircraft and expertly led and directed squadron mates in the destruction of seven more in the air, two on the ground, and one damaged on the ground, thus accounting for all the enemy aircraft encountered without loss of a single P-47 or pilot. Was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 388th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 388th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.