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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
June 11, 1968 – June 30, 1971
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-493 (July 28, 1971)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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
80th Fighter-Bomber SquadronRegiment:
8th Fighter-Bomber WingAction Date:
Korean War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major James Erskine Hill (ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-80 Fighter Pilot of the 80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in Korea. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
3d Air ForceAction Date:
June 11, 1972 – November 5, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Hill distinguished himself as Commander of THIRD Air Force, from 11 June 1972 to 5 November 1973. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and dedicated efforts of General Hill contributed significantly to the effectiveness of the United States Air Force as an instrument of national policy in the European Theater of Operations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hill reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
GeneralAction Date:
December 1977 – December 1979
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander-in-Chief of the North American Air Defense Command and Aerospace Defense Command, during the period December 1977 through December 1979. General Hill’s responsibilities ranged over a wide spectrum involving all aspects of the defense of the North American Continent and the security and defense of the United States and Canada. His knowledge and judgment resulted in much improved international and national policies and programs which directly enhanced the future defense posture of the United States and Canada. General Hill’s innovative leadership and management of the vast resources of this command insured that the total defense and surveillance capability was used to full advantage in supporting the missions of the Departments of Defense and State. The distinctive accomplishments of General Hill culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
GeneralAction Date:
December 1977 – December 1979
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander-in-Chief of the North American Air Defense Command and Aerospace Defense Command, during the period December 1977 through December 1979. In this important assignment the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by General Hill resulted in significant contribu5tions to the effectiveness of the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hill culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
388th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
365th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
April 18, 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 134 (October 14, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Army Air Forces, 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. On this date, Major Hill encountered and aggressively attacked a numerically superior force of ME-109’s. Demonstrating cool judgment and daring courage, he personally destroyed three enemy aircraft and expertly led and directed his 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. Major Hill’s heroism, skill, and complete disregard for his personal safety reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
388th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
365th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
October 21, 1944
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 289 (December 10, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) James Erskine Hill (AFSN: FR-20741/ASN: 0-673734), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane 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 of Major Hill while directing his squadron in aerial combat against a superior number of German planes. Under his inspiring leadership the squadron destroyed eleven enemy aircraft and damaged five more. By his own determination and aerial proficiency Major Hill forced two enemy pilots to crash to the ground. The skill and intrepidity with which Major Hill led his squadron in combat reflect great distinction upon himself and the Army Air Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 1, 1971 – June 12, 1972
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-409 (June 21, 1972)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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
388th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
365th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James Erskine Hill (ASN: 0-673734), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded 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. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
388th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
365th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James Erskine Hill (ASN: 0-673734), United States Army Air Forces, 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. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.