Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Frederick
Hill
POW (WWII) KIA
1915-08-31

–

1944-12-15

Born:

Laredo

, 

Texas

Home:

Atlanta

, 

Georgia

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

Richard Hill graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, he was held as a Prisoner of War, and in December was boarded on the Japanese “Hell Ship” Oryoku Maru for transport to Japan. He was killed on December 15 when the ship was bombed by American forces that did not realize the ship was carrying American Prisoners of War.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    61st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts)

    Action Date:

    April 30, 1942
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Richard Frederick Hill (ASN: 0-20745), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Executive Officer of the 61st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against the enemy during the defense of Bataan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 30 April 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hill, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Major (Infantry) Richard Frederick Hill (ASN: 0-20745), United States Army, was captured by the Japanese after the fall the Philippine Islands in 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 15 December 1944.