The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Nicholas Hill, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as SEAL Team SEVEN ECHO Platoon Commander/ Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-TRIDENT, in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 20 April to 1 October 2009. From 15 to 18 July 2009, Lieutenant Hill led his platoon to assault an enemy stronghold in the Kundelan region of Kandahar Province. Personally exposing himself to small arms fire of all calibers and types to return fire and defend key terrain, he tactically maneuvered his forces during a combined arms battle that lasted two days and resulted in 56 enemy killed in action. On 7 September 2009, Lieutenant Hill led an element that seized a key hilltop overlooking the clearance of an enemy narcotics and improvised explosive device bazaar in Malmand, Kandahar Province. When a member of his team stepped on a pressure plate improvised explosive device sustaining critical life-threatening injuries, Lieutenant Hill took charge of a dire situation, assisting with life-saving aid while coordinating the casualty evacuation. Navigating through an active minefield, the team evacuated their mortally wounded teammate to surgical care within the “golden hour” to save his life. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and total dedication to duty, Lieutenant Hill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]Division:
Naval Special Warfare Task GroupAction Date:
June 27, 2006
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Nicholas Stanley Hill, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Charlie Platoon Patrol Leader for Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-RAMADI in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 27 June 2006. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill led a joint, combined Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Army, and Iraqi element in a daytime presence patrol in south-central Ramadi. After clearing a house to gauge atmospherics from the locals, the element was ambushed from multiple directions by enemy fighters. An Iraqi soldier was hit and lay helplessly exposed as his fellow Iraqi soldiers retreated to the safety of the courtyard. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill organized suppressive fire and, despite enemy rounds impacting the street around him, fearlessly braved the gauntlet of enemy fire, reached the wounded Iraqi soldier and dragged him across the street under fire to safety. When another Iraqi soldier was wounded, he remained calm, called for reinforcements and expertly vectored them into his position. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill’s exceptional leadership, professionalism and courage under fire saved the life of one Iraqi soldier and prevented further casualties to his men. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions to the United States Naval Service.