Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Edward Hill (MCSN: 0-4555), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Second Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 9 to 12 October 1942. When a tow line was severed while his convoy was sailing under cover of darkness, causing the loss of a number of troops and confusion among the remainder, Lieutenant Colonel Hill volunteered to approach the beach in a small boat and, with the aid of two native guides, attempted to determine the position of the enemy. Locating the hostile troops about one-half mile from his own position, he remained on the beach, formulated a plan for attack and, when his own combat team landed, led it through heavy jungle and swamp areas to launch attacks against a Japanese concentration at Kollotumaria and a coast-watch station at Garabusu, with the result that the enemy was routed in both places and a large amount of vital radio equipment and intelligence material were captured. He then organized a patrol of approximately one hundred men to reconnoiter the area from Aola Bay to the FIRST Marine Division Headquarters. His daring initiative, fearless leadership and gallant devotion to duty throughout this period of extremely hazardous action reflect the highest credit on Lieutenant Colonel Hill and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    2d Marines (Rein.)

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 1 – 10, 1942
    SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 9126

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Edward Hill (MCSN: 0-4555), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Second Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 1 to 10 November 1942. On 1 November Lieutenant Colonel Hill was ordered to move his Battalion around and behind units of the Fifth and Seventh Marines and assist them in wiping out a large enemy concentration which was holding up the advance. Despite the short time for preparation, the dense jungle and terrific heat, he succeeded in taking position just prior to darkness and contributed materially in the reducing of the hostile concentration and in preventing the withdrawal of the Japanese. With his Battalion a unit of the attacking force during the main drive to Kokumbono, Lieutenant Colonel Hill directed his troops for the next two days against determined hostile resistance which was impeding the advance with heavy artillery and mortar fire. Ordered to organize a defensive position when the attack was discontinued, he directed vigorous patrol activities during a seven-day period and, by his efficient employment of men and supporting weapons, led his unit in repulsing a strong enemy night attack. On 10 November, after he had led his troops in seizing a strong Japanese point of resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Hill was severely wounded by enemy artillery fire. His gallant leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.