Robert H. Hill

HOME OF RECORD:

Stark County, Ohio

Distinguished Service Cross

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS

DURING World War II

Service: Army

Battalion: 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion

Division: 82d Airborne Division (Attached)

GENERAL ORDERS:

Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 65 (1945)

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert H. Hill (ASN: 15077968), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion, 82d Airborne Division (Attached), in action against enemy forces during the attack on Rochelinal, Belgium, on 7 January 1945. When his platoon was pinned down and suffered heavy casualties from merciless enemy machine gun fire, Corporal Hill moved through heavy fire and secured an automatic rifle. Standing erect, fully exposed to the hostile fire, he advanced toward the hostile emplacement, firing his weapon as he moved forward. Twice he was hit by enemy fire, but undeterred he continued to advance. As the fire from his weapon silenced the hostile machine gun, he was struck a third time by enemy fire and mortally wounded. By his superb courage and unhesitating action, Corporal Hill enabled his platoon to successfully extricate itself rom the trap. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Robert Hill enlisted on June 20, 1942, in Fort Hayes, Ohio. On January 7 1945 Robert Hill stood and fired on the German machine gun positions with his BAR to cover the withdrawal of what was left of the squad. He died during that fight and later was recommended for the Silver Star but General Ridgway interceded and personally signed the endorsement upgrading the award to a Distinguished Service Cross.

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contributed by D. G. Keener

s/o James Jackson & Asia May (Reynolds) Hill

h/o Audrey Marie (Reed) Hill; one child, Kathryn Marie Hill.

Service ID 15077968

Unit 551st Parachute Infantry Regiment

Rank Corporal U.S. Army

Entered Service From Ohio.

Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart.