Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as Principal Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for POW/MIA Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), from June 1985 to April 1988. In this position, he exercised the highest degree of maturity, judgment and sensitivity in an area in which issues are often emotional and sometimes controversial. He was an outstanding spokesman in public and media appearances promoting public understanding of issues and singularly elevating the credibility of the Department of Defense regarding POW/MIA matters. Colonel Hill was a skilled and effective representative of the Department of Defense in negotiations with high-level Vietnamese and Laotian officials. He was a key player in framing the parameters of the 1987 Vessey mission seeking to rejuvenate efforts to gain the return of remains and additional information on those still missing. Colonel Hill’s service in this critical and sensitive position has been singularly outstanding. Recent progress achieved by the United States Government clearly has the mark of his presence and influence. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hill reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 28, 1968 – July 15, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 28 April 1968 to 15 July 1969. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
555th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 16, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a F-4D pilot of the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 16 December 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Hill flew escort for a mission executed into the most highly defended area of the hostile forces. With unwavering calmness and courage, Lieutenant Hill exposed himself to continuous hostile artillery fire and made repeated attacks against a superior number of hostile aircraft to insure the success of the primary mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hill reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
555th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
October 24, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Pilot in the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 24 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Hill led a two-flight attack against a heavily defended airfield. While evading intense anti-aircraft fire, Surface-to-Air missiles, and threats from hostile aircraft, Lieutenant Hill successfully executed this highly important mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hill has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hill culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 16, 1967 – March 14, 1972
Captain Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 16, 1967 until his release on March 14, 1972.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 16 – 24, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 16 to 24 December 1967, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Hill resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1969 – October 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Howard John Hill (AFSN: 80413), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period July 1969 to October 1971. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.