The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 825th Strategic Aerospace Division, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, and later as Commander, 42d Air Division, Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas, from 11 June 1968 to 30 June 1971. As Commander, 825th Strategic Aerospace Division, Brigadier General Hill was in charge of the most diverse of all Strategic Air Command Air Divisions, operating with two highly sophisticated B-58 wings and one Titan II missile wing. As Commander, 42d Air Division, Brigadier General Hill continually exercised outstanding professional knowledge and dynamic leadership abilities in implementing successful people programs for personnel under his command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Hill and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 405th Fighter Wing, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters, THIRTEENTH Air Force from 11 August 1964 to 10 June 1966. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and untiring devotion to duty consistently demonstrated by Colonel Hill were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the United States Air Force buildup and deployment of combat forces for Southeast Asia. His tact and unfailing courtesy in dealing with our Asian allies contributed greatly to the maintenance of our international relations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hill and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in executing the important and demanding duties of the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy from 1 July 1971 to 12 June 1972. General Hill brought to the position wide knowledge of the operation aspects of nuclear weapons systems and extensive managerial skills and leadership. His broad knowledge and mature judgment were directly instrumental in gaining recognition and support for important Defense programs from the Service staffs, the Joint Staff, and other government agencies and the Congress, thus contributing significantly to the safety of our nuclear weapons and the readiness of our nuclear forces throughout the world. Finally, his performance when acting for the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy in his absence was outstanding, earning for him the respect and the support of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by General Hill reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.