Today, through the efforts of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), the family of World War II hero Alfred Bennett Hill, Jr. was presented with a Silver Star for the heroic efforts that led to the 22-year-old Water Valley native’s death in the Philippines.
The award of a Silver Star, for which Hill had been recommended following his death, completes the nation’s recognition of Hill’s service and sacrifices to the nation during his WWII service. Technician Fifth Grade Hill was killed in action near Malaybalay, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on June 1, 1945, while bravely trying to reach a seriously wounded soldier to administer medical care.
Brothers to WWII hero Alfred Bennett Hill, Jr. accept Silver Star. From left: Jerry Wayne Hill, Edwin Earl Hill and Thomas Franklin Hill, with Cochran State Director Brad White.
“The bravery demonstrated by Alfred Hill in service to his fellow soldiers cannot ever be diminished, even 70 years after his death. I am pleased that the U.S. Army has approved the award of a Silver Star to him, which gives his family the knowledge of our nation’s complete gratitude for his service and sacrifice,” Cochran said.
The Silver Star, the third highest military decoration for valor, was presented to Hill’s brothers Edwin Earl Hill, Tommy Hill and Jerry Hill by Cochran State Director Brad White at a ceremony in the Senator’s Oxford field office. Numerous nieces and nephews were present. Cochran’s office worked with the family and the Army after being alerted of the issue by State Representative Thomas U. Reynolds.
Silver Star awarded for: For gallantry in action near Malaybalay, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 1 June 1945. When the infantry rifle company to which he was attached as aid man encountered intense enemy rifle fire and sustained several casualties, Technician Fifth Grade Hill, after administering aid to a minor casualty in the middle of the column, moved forward to care for another wounded man. Though warned to remain under cover and fully aware that the approaches to the wounded man, who was lying far forward in an exposed position, would be closely guarded, he voluntarily and with complete disregard for his own safety crawled forward to administer first aid, but was killed before he could reach his fellow soldier. This unselfish act above and beyond the call of duty and at the sacrifice of his own life reflects great credit upon Technician Fifth Grade Hill and upholds the highest traditions of the Service.
The award of the Silver Star is the last of the honors earned by Hill for his service. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device and two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Combat Medical Badge.