Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Eugene L. Hill (MCSN: 325441), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Leader of a Light Machine Gun Squad of Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. With the tripod of his machine gun damaged beyond further use during an attack against a strong hostile position, Sergeant Hill cradled the weapon in his arms and, exposing himself to heavy enemy machine-gun fire while firing against the Japanese from a kneeling position, ignited a powder magazine in the hostile emplacement and destroyed it. By his indomitable fighting spirit, Sergeant Hill contributed materially to the success of our operations, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    2d Marines

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    August 3, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Eugene L. Hill (MCSN: 325441), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Machine Gun Section of Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands on 3 August 1944. When both guns of his section were temporarily knocked out allowing twelve attacking Japanese to advance within hand grenade range, Sergeant Hill immediately dispersed the enemy with his automatic rifle and, working his way in front of the outpost, killed three additional Japanese who had advance to ten feet in front of the guns. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.