Hills, Hollis "Harry"

Date of birth:: March 25th, 1915 (Baxter/Iowa, United States)
Date of death:: October 31st, 2009
Service number:: RCAF: J5803 / USN: 243201
Nationality:: American

Biography

Commander Hollis Hills was the first pilot to shoot down an enemy plane with a Mustang (while serving in the RCAF). After his transfer to the U.S. Navy, he became flying ace with five credited air victories. He also served in the Korea and Vietnam Wars.

1940-1942: Royal Canadian Air Force
8 november 1942: Transfered to the U.S. Navy
1962: Retired from the U.S. Navy

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Pilot's Flying Badge

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: 1940

Pilot Wing

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: 1942

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 414 (Sarnia Imperials) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: January 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Jubilee

"During the Battle of Dieppe on 19th August 1942, this officer accompanied his Flight Commander on two low reconnaissances over the approaches to the battle area. During the second of these, they were attacked by three FW.190s. When Flying Officer Hills found he could not warn his Flight Commander, owing to a radio failure, he engaged the three enemy aircraft, shooting down one and driving off the other two, until the Flight Commander became aware of the situation."

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 32 (VF-32), USS Langley (CVL-27), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: May 1947

"Lieutenant Hollis H. Hills, United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as a Pilot and Division Leader of Fighter Planes embarked in U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), over Truk, on 29 April 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 363