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John
Gillespie
Hill
, Jr.
August 9, 1926

–

March 28, 1999

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

John Hill graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1946. After serving in Korea where he earned the DSC and Silver Star, he served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, first as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Army and later as a Brigade Commander in the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division, Assistant Division Commander of the 101st Airborne Division and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Support Command in Cam Ranh Bay. He retired in 1978 as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Armor), [then Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment (Task Force 777)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    September 26 – 27, 1950
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 578 (September 25, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Armor), [then Lieutenant] John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 7th Cavalry Regiment (Task Force 777), 1st Cavalry Division. Major Hill distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hambung-ni, Korea, on the night of 26 – 27 September 1950. On that night the battalion of which Major Hill was a member was moving rapidly forward in pursuit of hostile troops. Suddenly the column was subjected to a large volume of artillery and automatic weapons fire which pinned it down and inflicted several casualties. Simultaneously, two enemy tanks appeared and, directing murderous cannon and machine-gun fire against the friendly unit, succeeded in dividing it into two parts. Major Hill, with keen tactical perception, hurried up the road until he reached the battalion’s advance party, which he immediately organized into rocket-launcher teams and guided them back to the scene of the battle. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he supervised the emplacement and firing of the rocket launchers while simultaneously throwing grenades and firing his own weapon with deadly accuracy at the foe. Just as one of the hostile tanks was destroyed by the rocket launcher fire, six additional tanks reinforced with hostile troops, greatly increasing the threat to the friendly unit. Major Hill immediately launched an attack on the newly arrived tanks, and directed the fire of his men with great effectiveness until two more tanks were destroyed and the remainder retreated. Inspired by Major Hills’ courageous example, the friendly troops beat off the attack and continued their advance. The extraordinary heroism and completely selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Hill throughout this action reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the most esteemed traditions of the military service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    May 26, 1972
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam/MACV Support Command, General Orders No. 1914 (August 16, 1972)

    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 Brigadier General John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for heroism, while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Brigadier General Hill distinguished himself on 26 May 1972, while participating in aerial flight during the battle for Kontum, Republic of Vietnam. On the first day of the battle the defenses of the 44th Regiment of the 23d ARVN Division were threatened by an attack by North Vietnamese tanks and infantry. At 0500, 26 May 1972, General Hill departed for the battle area to make a first hand assessment of the attack that began at 0430. Arriving over the battle area, he made an estimate of the situation and immediately called for gunship support. He flew his aircraft into an area of intense enemy fire to mark a position which he suspected contained enemy tanks. He directed the gunships to engage the tanks to separate the infantry from the armor threat and called for helicopters mounted with anti-tank missiles to engage the tanks. At the most critical point of the battle, the enemy was within 200 yards of the Regimental Command Post. As the fire from the gunships took effect, the enemy attack began to stall and became disorganized. Although the 44th Regiment destroyed two tanks, the attack was progressing with every sign of success until actions were taken to separate the infantry from the tanks. As a result of the actions taken by General Hill, seven enemy tanks were destroyed by the helicopters and the enemy attack was stopped. General Hill’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    April 1975 – August 1978

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff and Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, during the period April 1975 to August 1978. During this period, Major General Hill constantly displayed positive leadership and initiative which resulted in increased operational readiness rates of equipment, more effective assignment of personnel, and better utilization of available funds. Major General Hill’s immeasurable contribution to the United States Army is truly in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and is a direct credit to him, the United States Army and the nation.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry (Infantry) Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1951
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 157 (July 25, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry (Infantry) Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action near Yongdogwon-ri, Korea, on 10 March 1951. While Captain Hill’s company was attacking the well-fortified Chinese positions on Hill 554, heavy and accurate machine gun fire suddenly swept the slopes and halted the advance. Realizing the great danger to his men unless aggressive action was continued, Captain Hill rushed through the intense fire to the point of his lead platoon. Shouting words of encouragement and displaying outstanding personal bravery, Captain Hill led his men in the attack and final assault. Inspired by his leadership and conspicuous courage, the members of his company charged forward and routed the strongly entrenched Chinese who fled in a disorganized mob, leaving behind many dead and much equipment. Captain Hill’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1950
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 163 (November 25, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Armor) John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for heroism in action against the enemy while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, on 12 September 1950, near Taegu, Korea. During an attack on a well fortified enemy position, Captain Hill, as Intelligence Officer of his battalion, joined the assaulting force in order to obtain first-hand information on enemy dispositions and to better coordinate battalion reconnaissance. As the assault progressed, Captain Hill exposed himself continually to enemy mortar, artillery and sniper fire to move about gathering intelligence information vital to the attacking forces. Moving from unit to unit in the front lines with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he interrogated prisoners and wounded enemy troops, and, learning of an impending large-scale counterattack upon friendly forces, promptly disseminated the information. Captain Hill’s extreme courage and selfless actions enabled his battalion to successfully prepare counter measures and dispel the counterattack, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Captain Hill’s heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    October 16, 1950
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 163 (November 25, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America 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 (Armor) John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for heroism in action against the enemy while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, on 16 October 1950, near Sinmak, Korea. When Captain Hill, Battalion S-3 Officer was informed that a group of North Korean soldiers had taken refuge in a railroad tunnel with a train and refused to surrender, he immediately volunteered to take a patrol to flush out the enemy. Taking a one-quarter ton vehicle, 75-mm. recoilless rifle and seven men, Captain Hill entered the pitch-black tunnel in search of the die-hard Koreans. After traveling approximately 50 yards, the patrol was met by a withering blast of automatic weapons fire knocking out the vehicle’s headlights and smashing the radiator. Throwing caution to the winds, Captain Hill continued to push his patrol forward for 75 yards until they were hit by several enemy hand grenades. Quickly ordering the 75-mm. recoilless rifle into action, Captain Hill and the rest of the patrol engaged the hidden enemy in a fierce fire fight under the most eerie conditions. After 20 minutes the intense, choking smoke from the firing forced the patrol to withdraw from the tunnel. As soon as the smoke had cleared, Captain Hill dauntlessly led his men back into the tunnel’s blackness where they captured several prisoners and found three dead North Korean officers. By virtue of his courageous and fearless leadership, Captain Hill played a highly important role in clearing the tunnel of the enemy and making available to friendly forces the use of a valuable train. Captain Hill’s heroism reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    June 1970 – June 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from June 1970 to June 1972, while consecutively serving as Commanding General, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Assistant Division Commander for Operations, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), and Commanding General, United States Army Support Command, Cam Ranh Bay, with a major additional duty as Commanding General, United States Army Forces Military Region II. During this period, General Hill established outstanding rapport with senior Vietnamese commanders in Military Region I and II. During Lam Son 719 his brigade seized and secured Khe Sanh, the forward assembly area for the Army of the Republic of Vietnam I Corps units who later captured Tchepone, Laos. After the Army Republic of Vietnam moved out, General Hill’s brigade covered the long exposed southern flank from the coast to Khe Sanh. In order to do so he reconnoitered and built a road which permitted his brigade to patrol the flank of Highway 9 and frustrated the enemy’s attempts to cut off the Army Republic of Vietnam units who assaulted the trail and logistics complex across the Laotian border. His conduct of this operation was a model of sound tactics and combat leadership. As a result of General Hill’s ability as a planner, the redeployment of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) was accomplished smoothly and efficiently. As Commanding General, United States Army Support Command, Cam Ranh Bay, he ensured the orderly drawdown of forces, expeditious processing of retrograde cargo and the preparation, organization and initial operations of the regional support activity for Military Region II. During April 1972, when North Vietnamese Army Forces invaded Kontum Province, General Hill was ordered to Pleiku to assist the Director, Second Regional Advisory Group, when it appeared as though friendly forces might suffer a crushing defeat. General Hill played a significant part in bolstering the operations of the Army Republic of Vietnam II Corps, and his courageous efforts among others contributed materially to stabilizing the situation. General Hill has met his responsibilities with courage and success. Brigadier General Hill’s outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    June 1968 – October 1969

    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 Colonel (Armor) John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from June 1968 to October 1969 while serving as Executive to the Vice Chief of Staff and as Deputy Secretary of the General Staff (Staff Action Control), Office of the Chief of Staff, United States Army. In both assignments his great depth of experience, detailed knowledge of staff procedures and astute judgment contributed to his outstanding performance. While serving as Executive to the Vice Chief of Staff, he discharged the sensitive and demanding responsibilities of the office with a rare sense of dedication and thoroughness. His unstinting efforts and meticulous attention to detail, along with his singularly perceptive grasp of the fundamentals of staff management enabled him to reorganize the office of the Vice Chief of Staff in such manner that the Vice Chief was relieved of all but the most substantive issues. As a Deputy Secretary of the General Staff, Colonel Hill followed developments in matters of substance spanning the principal areas of interest of the Army General Staff. Through his Staff Action Control Office, he disseminated staff guidance, controlled the submission of recommendations, provided for in-process review, and assured that staff agency views were precisely and completely displayed thereby permitting decisions to be made based on full evaluation of available information. His efforts greatly facilitated the decision-making process and permitted rapid and effective implementation of important decisions. Colonel Hill’s notable accomplishments and distinguished performance of duty exemplify the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    August 1964 – July 1965

    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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) John Gillespie Hill, Jr. (ASN: 0-27997), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period August 1964 to July 1965, while serving as Senior Advisor to Phuoc Binh Thanh Special Zone and later to the 10th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Recognizing the need for detailed planning especially of air mobile operations, Lieutenant Colonel Hill implemented a system of staff guidance which enabled the Army, Republic of Vietnam, in his area to rapidly develop their own capability for planning and execution of small and large unit operations. Foreseeing the need for long range reconnaissance he developed a concept which resulted in numerous Viet Cong supply bases being destroyed and supply lines being continuously interdicted by air strikes and artillery fire. Lacking sufficient intelligence on enemy activities, Lieutenant Colonel Hill developed an extensive intelligence program emphasizing combat intelligence and target detection. During the last two months, he integrated his Special Zone Team and another special team into an advisory team for a new Vietnamese Division. This transition was smoothly accomplished without the loss of a single operational day. Lieutenant Colonel Hill’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.