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{{short description|United States Air Force general}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name= David Lee Hill
|name= David Lee Hill
|image = Colonel David "Tex" Hill (cropped).jpg
|image= {{Annotated image
|image = Col David Tex Hill.jpg
|caption = Colonel "Tex" Hill in 1944
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| caption = Colonel “Tex” Hill in 1944
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|nickname= "Tex"
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|nickname= Tex
|birth_date= {{birth date|1915|7|13}}
|birth_date= {{birth date|1915|7|13}}
|birth_place= [[Gwangju]], [[Korea under Japanese rule]]
|birth_place= [[Gwangju]], [[Korea under Japanese rule]]<br><small>(now [[South Korea]])</small>
|death_date= {{death date and age|2007|10|11|1915|7|13}}
|death_date= {{death date and age|2007|10|11|1915|7|13}}
|death_place= [[Terrell Hills]], [[Texas]], United States
|death_place= [[Terrell Hills]], [[Texas]], United States
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He was born in Gwangju, [[Korea under Japanese rule|Korea (then under Japanese rule)]], the youngest of four children of [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]] missionaries. The family returned to the United States when he was 15 months old. They eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas, where his father was the minister of the First Presbyterian Church.<ref name=TSHA>{{cite web |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/hill-david-lee-tex |title=Hill, David Lee [Tex] (1915–2007) |last=Taylor |first=Stephen E. |publisher=[[Handbook of Texas]], [[Texas State Historical Association]]}}</ref>
He was born in Gwangju, [[Korea under Japanese rule|Korea (then under Japanese rule)]], the youngest of four children of [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]] missionaries. The family returned to the United States when he was 15 months old. They eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas, where his father was the minister of the First Presbyterian Church.<ref name=TSHA>{{cite web |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/hill-david-lee-tex |title=Hill, David Lee [Tex] (1915–2007) |last=Taylor |first=Stephen E. |publisher=[[Handbook of Texas]], [[Texas State Historical Association]]}}</ref>


"Tex" graduated from [[San Antonio Academy]], San Antonio, Texas, in 1928 and from [[McCallie School]] in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1934. At McCallie, he won the Tennessee Middleweight Championship in boxing in 1934.<ref name=TSHA/> Tex then attended [[Texas A&M University|Texas A&M]] for two years before transferring to [[Austin College]], from which he graduated in 1938. He was also a founding member of the Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity in 1932.<ref name=bio-Hill>{{cite web |url=http://obit.porterloring.com/obitdisplay.html?id=465501&listing=All |title=Brig Gen David Lee Hill Obituary |author=<!--Not stated--> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316161313/http://obit.porterloring.com/obitdisplay.html?id=465501&listing=All |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |website=Porter Loring Mortuaries |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref>
"Tex" graduated from [[San Antonio Academy]], San Antonio, Texas, in 1928 and from [[McCallie School]] in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1934. While attending McCallie, he won the Tennessee Middleweight Championship in boxing in 1934.<ref name=TSHA/> Tex then attended [[Texas A&M University|Texas A&M]] for two years before transferring to [[Austin College]], from which he graduated in 1938. He was also a founding member of the Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity in 1932.<ref name=bio-Hill>{{cite web |url=http://obit.porterloring.com/obitdisplay.html?id=465501&listing=All |title=Brig Gen David Lee Hill Obituary |author=<!--Not stated--> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316161313/http://obit.porterloring.com/obitdisplay.html?id=465501&listing=All |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |website=Porter Loring Mortuaries |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref>

Hill's first flight occurred at [[Stinson Municipal Airport|Winburn Field]], when Marion P. Hair took Tex and a friend up in his [[Travel Air 4000]]. The boys had snuck out of church one Sunday, and paid for the flight with their collection money.


==Military career==
==Military career==
Hill's first flight occurred at [[Stinson Municipal Airport|Winburn Field]], when Marion P. Hair took Tex and a friend up in his [[Travel Air 4000]]. The boys had snuck out of church one Sunday, and paid for the flight with their collection money. Hill earned his wings as a [[United States Naval Aviator]] in 1939 and joined the fleet as a [[TBD Devastator]] torpedo bomber pilot aboard the [[USS Saratoga (CV-3)|''USS Saratoga'']], before joining a [[Vought SB2U Vindicator]] dive bomber squadron aboard {{USS|Ranger|CV-4|6}}.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hill |first1=David |last2=Schaupp |first2=Reagan |title=Tex Hill: Flying Tiger |date=2003 |publisher=Universal Bookbindery, Inc. |location=San Antonio |isbn=9781885354150 |pages=32-34,54,63-64}}</ref>
After graduating from [[Austin College]] in 1938, Hill enlisted in the United States Navy.<ref name=TSHA/> [[Ensign (rank)#United States|Ensign]] Hill earned his wings as a [[United States Naval Aviator|Naval Aviator]] in November 1939 and joined the fleet as a [[TBD Devastator]] torpedo bomber pilot aboard the [[USS Saratoga (CV-3)|''USS Saratoga'']], before joining a [[Vought SB2U Vindicator]] dive bomber squadron aboard {{USS|Ranger|CV-4|6}}.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hill |first1=David |last2=Schaupp |first2=Reagan |title=Tex Hill: Flying Tiger |date=2003 |publisher=Universal Bookbindery, Inc. |location=San Antonio |isbn=9781885354150 |pages=32–34, 54, 63–64}}</ref>


===World War II===
In 1941, he was recruited with other Navy, Army and Marine Corps pilots to join the 1st [[American Volunteer Group]] (better known by its later nickname of the [[Flying Tigers]]). He learned to fly the [[Curtiss P-40|P-40]] in the AVG training program in Burma, and did well as a fighter pilot in the 2nd Pursuit Squadron (Panda Bear) as a flight leader and then squadron commander, becoming one of the top aces under the tutelage of [[Claire Chennault]].<ref name=bio-Hill/>
[[File:Texhillp-51.jpg|thumb|left|Hill climbs aboard his P-51 Mustang]]
In 1941, he was recruited with other Navy, Army and Marine Corps pilots to join the 1st [[American Volunteer Group]] (AVG), better known by its later nickname of the [[Flying Tigers]]. He sailed from San Francisco under a fake passport and arrived at [[Yangon|Rangoon]], Burma, on September 15, 1941.<ref name=TSHA/> He learned to fly the [[Curtiss P-40|P-40]] in the AVG training program in Burma, and did well as a fighter pilot in the 2nd Pursuit Squadron (the "Panda Bears") as a flight leader and then squadron commander, becoming one of the top aces under the tutelage of [[Claire Chennault]].<ref name=bio-Hill/>


Hill landed his first kills on January 3, 1942, when he downed two [[Nakajima Ki-27|Nate]]s over the Japanese airfield at Tak, Thailand. He shot down two more on January 23, and became an ace the next day when he shot down a fighter and a bomber over Rangoon. In March, he succeeded [[Jack Newkirk]] as squadron leader of the Second Squadron. By the time the AVG was disbanded in the summer of 1942, Hill was a double ace, credited with {{frac|12|1|4}} victories.<ref name=bio-Hill/>
Hill made his first kills on January 3, 1942, when he downed two [[Nakajima Ki-27|Nate]]s over the Japanese airfield at Tak, Thailand.<ref name=TSHA/> He shot down two more on January 23, and became an ace the next day when he shot down a fighter and a bomber over Rangoon. In March, he succeeded [[Jack Newkirk]] as squadron leader of the Second Squadron. By the time the AVG was disbanded in the summer of 1942, Hill was a double ace, credited with {{frac|12|1|4}} victories.<ref name=TSHA/><ref name=bio-Hill/>


On May 7, 1942, the Japanese Army began building a pontoon bridge across the Salween River, which would allow them to move troops and supplies into China. To stem this tide, squadron leader Hill led a flight of four new P-40Es bombing and strafing into the mile-deep gorge. During the next four days, the AVG pilots flew continuous missions into the gorge, effectively neutralizing the Japanese forces. From that day on, the Japanese never advanced further than the west bank of the Salween. Claire Chennault would later write of these critical missions, "The American Volunteer Group had staved off China's collapse on the Salween."
On May 7, 1942, the Japanese Army began building a pontoon bridge across the Salween River, which would allow them to move troops and supplies into China. To stem this tide, squadron leader Hill led a flight of four new P-40Es bombing and strafing into the mile-deep gorge. During the next four days, the AVG pilots flew continuous missions into the gorge, effectively neutralizing the Japanese forces. From that day on, the Japanese never advanced further than the west bank of the Salween. Claire Chennault would later write of these critical missions, "The American Volunteer Group had staved off China's collapse on the Salween."


On Thanksgiving Day 1943, he led a force of 12 [[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]]s, 10 [[P-38 Lightning|P-38]]s, and 8 new [[P-51 Mustang|P-51]]s from Saichwan, China, on the first strike against Formosa. The Japanese had 100 bombers and 100 fighters at Shinchiku Airfield, and the bombers were landing as Hill's force arrived. The enemy managed to get seven fighters airborne, but they were promptly shot down. Forty-two Japanese airplanes were destroyed, and 12 more were probably destroyed in the attack. The American force returned home with no casualties.
On Thanksgiving Day 1943, he led a force of 12 [[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]]s, 10 [[P-38 Lightning|P-38]]s, and 8 new [[P-51 Mustang|P-51]]s from Saichwan, China, on the first strike against Formosa. The Japanese had 100 bombers and 100 fighters at Shinchiku Airfield, and the bombers were landing as Hill's force arrived. The enemy managed to get seven fighters airborne, but they were promptly shot down. Forty-two Japanese airplanes were destroyed, and twelve more were probably destroyed in the attack. The American force returned home with no casualties.


After the deactivation of the Flying Tigers in July 1942, Hill was one of only five Flying Tigers to join its [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) successor, the [[23rd Fighter Group]], with the rank of [[Major (United States)|major]]. He activated the 75th Fighter Squadron and later commanded the 23rd Fighter Group as a [[colonel]]. Before returning to the states in late 1944, Hill and his P-51 downed another six Japanese aircraft.<ref name=bio-Hill/>
After the deactivation of the Flying Tigers in July 1942, Hill was one of only five Flying Tigers to join its [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) successor, the [[23rd Fighter Group]], with the rank of [[Major (United States)|major]]. He activated the 75th Fighter Squadron and later commanded the 23rd Fighter Group as a [[colonel]]. Before returning to the states in late 1944, Hill and his P-51 downed another six Japanese aircraft.<ref name=bio-Hill/>


It is believed that he was the first to down a [[A6M Zero|Zero]] with a P-51. Altogether, Hill was credited with destroying 18.25 enemy aircraft. The .25 kills comes from an assist; he and 3 other pilots worked together to shoot down a Japanese [[Nakajima Ki-27|Nate]] fighter.
It is believed that he was the first to down a [[A6M Zero|Zero]] with a P-51. Altogether, Hill was credited with destroying 18.25 enemy aircraft. The .25 kills comes from an assist; he and 3 other pilots worked together to shoot down a Japanese [[Nakajima Ki-27|Nate]] fighter.
===Post war===
In 1944, Hill returned to the U.S. and took command of the [[412th Fighter Group]], America's first operational jet fighter group flying the [[P-59 Airacomet]] and the [[P-80 Shooting Star]]. He separated from active service in the USAAF in 1945.


In 1944, Hill returned to the U.S. and took command of the [[412th Fighter Group]], America's first operational jet fighter group flying the [[P-59 Airacomet]] and the [[P-80 Shooting Star]]. He separated from active service in the USAAF in 1945.
Postwar, in July 1946, Hill was asked by Texas Governor [[Coke Stevenson]] to activate and accept command of the [[136th Airlift Wing|136th Fighter Group]] of the [[Texas Air National Guard]]. Hill activated Guard units throughout the Gulf Coast and became the youngest brigadier general in the history of the [[Air National Guard]]. During the [[Korean War]], he served with the Texas Air National Guard.


He ended his military career in the [[Air Force Reserve]], retiring as a [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]].
Postwar, in July 1946, Hill was asked by Texas Governor [[Coke Stevenson]] to activate and accept command of the [[136th Airlift Wing|136th Fighter Group]] of the [[Texas Air National Guard]]. Hill activated Guard units throughout the Gulf Coast and became the youngest brigadier general in the history of the [[Air National Guard]].

He once again saw combat, serving during the [[Korean War]] with the Texas Air National Guard.

He ended his military career in the [[Air Force Reserve]], retiring as a [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]]. During his career he was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] with two Oak Leaf Clusters, [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with Oak Leaf Cluster, Chinese [[Order of the Cloud and Banner]] 4th, 5th and 6th grades, 2-Star Wing Decorations, Chinese Victory Medal, [[Legion of Merit]], and British [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].


==Later life==
==Later life==
In 1999, Hill was inducted into the [[Lone_Star_Flight_Museum#Texas_Aviation_Hall_of_Fame|Texas Aviation Hall of Fame]] located at the [[Lone Star Flight Museum]] in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lonestarflight.org/david-lee-“tex”-hill |title=David Lee "Tex" Hill |website=Texas Aviation Hall of Fame |publisher=Lone Star Flight Museum |location=Houston, Texas |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref> He was inducted into the [[National Aviation Hall of Fame]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/hill-david-lee/ |title=Hill, David Lee, Enshrined 2006 |website=The National Aviation Hall of Fame |location=Dayton, Ohio |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref>
In 1999, Hill was inducted into the [[Lone Star Flight Museum#Texas Aviation Hall of Fame|Texas Aviation Hall of Fame]] located at the [[Lone Star Flight Museum]] in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lonestarflight.org/david-lee-%E2%80%9Ctex%E2%80%9D-hill |title=David Lee "Tex" Hill |website=Texas Aviation Hall of Fame |publisher=Lone Star Flight Museum |location=Houston, Texas |access-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518083723/http://www.lonestarflight.org/david-lee-%E2%80%9Ctex%E2%80%9D-hill |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was inducted into the [[National Aviation Hall of Fame]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/hill-david-lee/ |title=Hill, David Lee, Enshrined 2006 |website=The National Aviation Hall of Fame |location=Dayton, Ohio |access-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628153704/https://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/hill-david-lee/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 2002, he was conveyed an honorary lifetime membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary ([[Civil Air Patrol]]) with a squadron of the CAP named in his honor—the Tex Hill Composite Squadron, of San Marcos, TX (SWR-TX-435). This squadron went on to become the third largest CAP squadron in the nation and in 2003 became the most decorated CAP squadron in the nation receiving the Texas Squadron of Merit, Texas Emergency Services Squadron of the Year, Regional (SW Region of the USA) Squadron of Distinction, and National Squadron of Distinction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://texhillcap.org/history |title=David Lee "Tex" Hill Composite Squadron |website=Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol |location=Houston, Texas |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref>
In 2002, he was conveyed an honorary lifetime membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary ([[Civil Air Patrol]]) with a squadron of the CAP named in his honor—the Tex Hill Composite Squadron, of San Marcos, TX (SWR-TX-435). This squadron went on to become the third largest CAP squadron in the nation and in 2003 became the most decorated CAP squadron in the nation receiving the Texas Squadron of Merit, Texas Emergency Services Squadron of the Year, Regional (SW Region of the USA) Squadron of Distinction, and National Squadron of Distinction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://texhillcap.org/history |title=David Lee "Tex" Hill Composite Squadron |website=Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol |location=Houston, Texas |access-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085336/http://texhillcap.org/history |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Hill died at the age of ninety-two on October 11, 2007 in [[Terrell Hills]], [[Texas]], of [[congestive heart failure]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101107.EN.TexHillObit.15f328f9a.html |title=World War II fighter ace 'Tex' Hill dies at 92 |last1=Danini |first1=Carmina |last2=Christenson |first2=Sig |date=October 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019040411/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101107.EN.TexHillObit.15f328f9a.html |archive-date=October 19, 2007 |work=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Hearst Newspapers |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref> More than 2,000 people attended his funeral.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fighterpilotuniversity.com/history/fu-heroes/tex-hill/ |title=Tex Hill |date=May 3, 2008 |website=Fighter Pilot University |location=Holden, Missouri |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref> He was buried at nearby [[Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moody.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/211787/legendary-flying-tiger-tex-hill-passes-away/ |title=Legendary Flying Tiger Tex Hill passes away |date=October 15, 2007 |website=Moody Air Force Base |publisher=United States Air Force |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref>
Hill died at the age of ninety-two on October 11, 2007, in [[Terrell Hills]], [[Texas]], of [[congestive heart failure]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101107.EN.TexHillObit.15f328f9a.html |title=World War II fighter ace 'Tex' Hill dies at 92 |last1=Danini |first1=Carmina |last2=Christenson |first2=Sig |date=October 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019040411/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101107.EN.TexHillObit.15f328f9a.html |archive-date=October 19, 2007 |work=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Hearst Newspapers |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref> More than 2,000 people attended his funeral.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fighterpilotuniversity.com/history/fu-heroes/tex-hill/ |title=Tex Hill |date=May 3, 2008 |website=Fighter Pilot University |location=Holden, Missouri |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref> He was buried at nearby [[Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moody.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/211787/legendary-flying-tiger-tex-hill-passes-away/ |title=Legendary Flying Tiger Tex Hill passes away |date=October 15, 2007 |website=Moody Air Force Base |publisher=United States Air Force |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref>


On November 2, 2007, the [[National Museum of the Pacific War]] in [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]] observed "Tex" Hill Day with speeches, patriotic music, and friends' memories of the fallen hero.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA102807.texhill.KENS.1b832806d.html |title=Fredericksburg Museum to Honor 'Tex' Hill |author=KENS 5 Eyewitness News |date=October 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213144331/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA102807.texhill.KENS.1b832806d.html |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |work=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Hearst Newspapers |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref>
On November 2, 2007, the [[National Museum of the Pacific War]] in [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]] observed "Tex" Hill Day with speeches, patriotic music, and friends' memories of the fallen hero.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA102807.texhill.KENS.1b832806d.html |title=Fredericksburg Museum to Honor 'Tex' Hill |author=KENS 5 Eyewitness News |date=October 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213144331/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA102807.texhill.KENS.1b832806d.html |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |work=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Hearst Newspapers |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref>
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Middle School 14 in [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] was named "Hill Middle School" after him in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neisd.net/ComRel/News/NEISD_MiddleSchool14_named_13.htm |title=Board Names New School David Lee "Tex" Hill Middle School |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=June 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101120855/http://www.neisd.net/ComRel/News/NEISD_MiddleSchool14_named_13.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |website=North East Independent School District |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=School Directory |url=https://www.neisd.net/schools |website=North East Independent School District |publisher=North East ISD |access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref>
Middle School 14 in [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] was named "Hill Middle School" after him in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neisd.net/ComRel/News/NEISD_MiddleSchool14_named_13.htm |title=Board Names New School David Lee "Tex" Hill Middle School |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=June 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101120855/http://www.neisd.net/ComRel/News/NEISD_MiddleSchool14_named_13.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |website=North East Independent School District |access-date=May 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=School Directory |url=https://www.neisd.net/schools |website=North East Independent School District |publisher=North East ISD |access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref>


==Awards and decorations==
==Personal life==
During his career he was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] with two Oak Leaf Clusters, [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] with Oak Leaf Cluster, Chinese [[Order of the Cloud and Banner]] 4th, 5th and 6th grades, 2-Star Wing Decorations, Chinese Victory Medal, [[Legion of Merit]], and British [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].
Hill married Mazie Sale on March 27, 1943, two weeks after noticing her at the First Presbyterian Church in Victoria, Texas while on leave.<ref>{{cite web |title=David Lee "Tex" and Mazie Hill |url=https://www.warbirds-eaa.org/david-lee-tex-and-mazie-hill/ |website=Warbirds of America |date=9 February 2021 |access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref> They were together until his death.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Lee "Tex" Hill |url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dayton/obituary.aspx?n=david-lee-hill-tex&pid=96016334 |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |publisher=Legacy.com |access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref>
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|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|other_device=|ribbon=American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=110}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=110}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=6|type=service-star|ribbon=Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=110}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=World War II Victory Medal ribbon|width=110}}
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{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
==See also==
|-
{{Portal|Biography|World War II|position=left}}
|colspan="3"|[[United States Aviator Badge|U.S. Air Force Command Pilot Badge]]
|-
|[[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]]
|[[Legion of Merit]]
|[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]<br>w/ 2 bronze [[oak leaf cluster]]s
|-
|[[Air Medal]]<br>w/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Air Force Presidential Unit Citation]]<br>w/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster
|[[American Defense Service Medal]]<br>w/ 1 bronze [[campaign star]]
|-
|[[American Campaign Medal]]
|[[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]]<br>w/ 1 silver and bronze campaign stars
|[[World War II Victory Medal (United States)|World War II Victory Medal]]
|-
|[[National Defense Service Medal]]
|[[Air Force Longevity Service Award]]
|[[Armed Forces Reserve Medal]]<br>w/ silver [[hourglass device]]
|-
|''[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]''<br/>''(United Kingdom)''
|''[[Order of the Cloud and Banner]]''<br>(1st class)<br/>''(Republic of China)''
|''Order of the Cloud and Banner''<br>(4th class)<br/>''(Republic of China)''
|-
|''Order of the Cloud and Banner''<br>(6th class)<br/>''(Republic of China)''
|''Army, Navy & Air Force Medal''<br/>''(Republic of China)''
|''[[China War Memorial Medal]]''<br/>''(Republic of China)''
|}

===Distinguished Service Cross===
[[File:Army distinguished service cross medal.png|90px|center]]
{{center|<big>'''Hill, David Lee "Tex"'''</big>}}
{{center|Major, U.S Army Air Forces}}
{{center| 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, Tenth Air Force}}
{{center|Date of Action: October 25, 1942}}
{{center|Department of the Army, General Orders No. 9 (November 18, 2005)}}

'''Citation:'''

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) David Lee "Tex" Hill, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, Tenth Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on October 25, 1942, while performing bomber escort duty over enemy-held territory in the China Theatre. On this date, Major Hill attacked, without hesitation, superior numbers of enemy aircraft that were rising to intercept United States B-24 bombers. Without hesitation, he turned his aircraft on its back for a high-speed dive and placed his aircraft between enemy fighters and the B-24 bombers. With exceptional flying ability, Major Hill forced enemy aircraft to turn from the attack and dive away. With skillful marksmanship, he destroyed one aircraft and severely damaged three others resulting in their probable destruction. Major Hill's leadership, spirit, and extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces in carrying the attack to the enemy without thought of the odds against himself were an inspiration to all fighter pilots. By his intrepid direction, heroic leadership, and superior professional ability, Major Hill set an inspiring example to his fellow aviators. Major Hill's extraordinary heroism and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/23099|title=Valor awards for David Lee "Tex" Hill|publisher=|accessdate=2 August 2021}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Hill married Mazie Sale on March 27, 1943, two weeks after noticing her at the First Presbyterian Church in Victoria, Texas while on leave, recovering from [[malaria]].<ref>{{cite web |title=David Lee "Tex" and Mazie Hill |url=https://www.warbirds-eaa.org/david-lee-tex-and-mazie-hill/ |website=Warbirds of America |date=9 February 2021 |access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref> They were together until his death.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Lee "Tex" Hill |url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dayton/obituary.aspx?n=david-lee-hill-tex&pid=96016334 |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |publisher=Legacy.com |access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Flying Tigers pilots]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)]]
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Latest revision as of 13:12, 20 June 2024

David Lee Hill
Colonel "Tex" Hill in 1944
Nickname(s)"Tex"
Born(1915-07-13)July 13, 1915
Gwangju, Korea under Japanese rule
(now South Korea)
DiedOctober 11, 2007(2007-10-11) (aged 92)
Terrell Hills, Texas, United States
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Republic of China Air Force
United States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force Reserve
Years of service1939–1968
RankBrigadier General
UnitFlying Tigers
Commands58th Fighter Wing
412th Fighter Group
23rd Fighter Group
1st Proving Ground Group
75th Fighter Squadron
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
Air Medal (2)
Order of the Cloud and Banner (China)
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)

David Lee "Tex" Hill (July 13, 1915 – October 11, 2007) was an American fighter pilot and triple flying ace. He is credited with 12+1⁄4 victories as a squadron leader with the Flying Tigers and another six as an officer in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. He retired as a brigadier general.

Early life

[edit]

He was born in Gwangju, Korea (then under Japanese rule), the youngest of four children of Presbyterian missionaries. The family returned to the United States when he was 15 months old. They eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas, where his father was the minister of the First Presbyterian Church.[1]

"Tex" graduated from San Antonio Academy, San Antonio, Texas, in 1928 and from McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1934. While attending McCallie, he won the Tennessee Middleweight Championship in boxing in 1934.[1] Tex then attended Texas A&M for two years before transferring to Austin College, from which he graduated in 1938. He was also a founding member of the Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity in 1932.[2]

Hill's first flight occurred at Winburn Field, when Marion P. Hair took Tex and a friend up in his Travel Air 4000. The boys had snuck out of church one Sunday, and paid for the flight with their collection money.

Military career

[edit]

After graduating from Austin College in 1938, Hill enlisted in the United States Navy.[1] Ensign Hill earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in November 1939 and joined the fleet as a TBD Devastator torpedo bomber pilot aboard the USS Saratoga, before joining a Vought SB2U Vindicator dive bomber squadron aboard USS Ranger.[3]

World War II

[edit]
Hill climbs aboard his P-51 Mustang

In 1941, he was recruited with other Navy, Army and Marine Corps pilots to join the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG), better known by its later nickname of the Flying Tigers. He sailed from San Francisco under a fake passport and arrived at Rangoon, Burma, on September 15, 1941.[1] He learned to fly the P-40 in the AVG training program in Burma, and did well as a fighter pilot in the 2nd Pursuit Squadron (the "Panda Bears") as a flight leader and then squadron commander, becoming one of the top aces under the tutelage of Claire Chennault.[2]

Hill made his first kills on January 3, 1942, when he downed two Nates over the Japanese airfield at Tak, Thailand.[1] He shot down two more on January 23, and became an ace the next day when he shot down a fighter and a bomber over Rangoon. In March, he succeeded Jack Newkirk as squadron leader of the Second Squadron. By the time the AVG was disbanded in the summer of 1942, Hill was a double ace, credited with 12+1⁄4 victories.[1][2]

On May 7, 1942, the Japanese Army began building a pontoon bridge across the Salween River, which would allow them to move troops and supplies into China. To stem this tide, squadron leader Hill led a flight of four new P-40Es bombing and strafing into the mile-deep gorge. During the next four days, the AVG pilots flew continuous missions into the gorge, effectively neutralizing the Japanese forces. From that day on, the Japanese never advanced further than the west bank of the Salween. Claire Chennault would later write of these critical missions, "The American Volunteer Group had staved off China's collapse on the Salween."

On Thanksgiving Day 1943, he led a force of 12 B-25s, 10 P-38s, and 8 new P-51s from Saichwan, China, on the first strike against Formosa. The Japanese had 100 bombers and 100 fighters at Shinchiku Airfield, and the bombers were landing as Hill's force arrived. The enemy managed to get seven fighters airborne, but they were promptly shot down. Forty-two Japanese airplanes were destroyed, and twelve more were probably destroyed in the attack. The American force returned home with no casualties.

After the deactivation of the Flying Tigers in July 1942, Hill was one of only five Flying Tigers to join its United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) successor, the 23rd Fighter Group, with the rank of major. He activated the 75th Fighter Squadron and later commanded the 23rd Fighter Group as a colonel. Before returning to the states in late 1944, Hill and his P-51 downed another six Japanese aircraft.[2]

It is believed that he was the first to down a Zero with a P-51. Altogether, Hill was credited with destroying 18.25 enemy aircraft. The .25 kills comes from an assist; he and 3 other pilots worked together to shoot down a Japanese Nate fighter.

Post war

[edit]

In 1944, Hill returned to the U.S. and took command of the 412th Fighter Group, America's first operational jet fighter group flying the P-59 Airacomet and the P-80 Shooting Star. He separated from active service in the USAAF in 1945.

Postwar, in July 1946, Hill was asked by Texas Governor Coke Stevenson to activate and accept command of the 136th Fighter Group of the Texas Air National Guard. Hill activated Guard units throughout the Gulf Coast and became the youngest brigadier general in the history of the Air National Guard. During the Korean War, he served with the Texas Air National Guard.

He ended his military career in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a brigadier general.

Later life

[edit]

In 1999, Hill was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame located at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, Texas.[4] He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006.[5]

In 2002, he was conveyed an honorary lifetime membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) with a squadron of the CAP named in his honor—the Tex Hill Composite Squadron, of San Marcos, TX (SWR-TX-435). This squadron went on to become the third largest CAP squadron in the nation and in 2003 became the most decorated CAP squadron in the nation receiving the Texas Squadron of Merit, Texas Emergency Services Squadron of the Year, Regional (SW Region of the USA) Squadron of Distinction, and National Squadron of Distinction.[6]

Hill died at the age of ninety-two on October 11, 2007, in Terrell Hills, Texas, of congestive heart failure.[7] More than 2,000 people attended his funeral.[8] He was buried at nearby Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.[9]

On November 2, 2007, the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg observed "Tex" Hill Day with speeches, patriotic music, and friends' memories of the fallen hero.[10]

On November 2, 2008, the Air Force Heritage Flight at the Lackland AFB Air Show in San Antonio was dedicated to Hill. It consisted of an F-22, an F-15E, an F-16C, and a P-40 like the one Hill flew with the AVG.

Middle School 14 in San Antonio was named "Hill Middle School" after him in June 2013.[11][12]

Awards and decorations

[edit]

During his career he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Chinese Order of the Cloud and Banner 4th, 5th and 6th grades, 2-Star Wing Decorations, Chinese Victory Medal, Legion of Merit, and British Distinguished Flying Cross.

Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze star
Silver star
Bronze star
U.S. Air Force Command Pilot Badge
Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross
w/ 2 bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
w/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster 		Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
w/ 1 bronze oak leaf cluster 		American Defense Service Medal
w/ 1 bronze campaign star
American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
w/ 1 silver and bronze campaign stars 		World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal Air Force Longevity Service Award Armed Forces Reserve Medal
w/ silver hourglass device
Distinguished Flying Cross
(United Kingdom) 		Order of the Cloud and Banner
(1st class)
(Republic of China) 		Order of the Cloud and Banner
(4th class)
(Republic of China)
Order of the Cloud and Banner
(6th class)
(Republic of China) 		Army, Navy & Air Force Medal
(Republic of China) 		China War Memorial Medal
(Republic of China)

Distinguished Service Cross

[edit]
Hill, David Lee "Tex"
Major, U.S Army Air Forces
75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, Tenth Air Force
Date of Action: October 25, 1942
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 9 (November 18, 2005)

Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) David Lee "Tex" Hill, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, Tenth Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on October 25, 1942, while performing bomber escort duty over enemy-held territory in the China Theatre. On this date, Major Hill attacked, without hesitation, superior numbers of enemy aircraft that were rising to intercept United States B-24 bombers. Without hesitation, he turned his aircraft on its back for a high-speed dive and placed his aircraft between enemy fighters and the B-24 bombers. With exceptional flying ability, Major Hill forced enemy aircraft to turn from the attack and dive away. With skillful marksmanship, he destroyed one aircraft and severely damaged three others resulting in their probable destruction. Major Hill's leadership, spirit, and extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces in carrying the attack to the enemy without thought of the odds against himself were an inspiration to all fighter pilots. By his intrepid direction, heroic leadership, and superior professional ability, Major Hill set an inspiring example to his fellow aviators. Major Hill's extraordinary heroism and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.[13]

Personal life

[edit]

Hill married Mazie Sale on March 27, 1943, two weeks after noticing her at the First Presbyterian Church in Victoria, Texas while on leave, recovering from malaria.[14] They were together until his death.[15]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Taylor, Stephen E. "Hill, David Lee [Tex] (1915–2007)". Handbook of Texas, Texas State Historical Association.
  2. ^ a b c d "Brig Gen David Lee Hill Obituary". Porter Loring Mortuaries. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  3. ^ Hill, David; Schaupp, Reagan (2003). Tex Hill: Flying Tiger. San Antonio: Universal Bookbindery, Inc. pp. 32–34, 54, 63–64. ISBN 9781885354150.
  4. ^ "David Lee "Tex" Hill". Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. Houston, Texas: Lone Star Flight Museum. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  5. ^ "Hill, David Lee, Enshrined 2006". The National Aviation Hall of Fame. Dayton, Ohio. Archived from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  6. ^ "David Lee "Tex" Hill Composite Squadron". Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Houston, Texas. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  7. ^ Danini, Carmina; Christenson, Sig (October 16, 2007). "World War II fighter ace 'Tex' Hill dies at 92". San Antonio Express-News. Hearst Newspapers. Archived from the original on October 19, 2007. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  8. ^ "Tex Hill". Fighter Pilot University. Holden, Missouri. May 3, 2008. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  9. ^ "Legendary Flying Tiger Tex Hill passes away". Moody Air Force Base. United States Air Force. October 15, 2007. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  10. ^ KENS 5 Eyewitness News (October 29, 2007). "Fredericksburg Museum to Honor 'Tex' Hill". San Antonio Express-News. Hearst Newspapers. Archived from the original on December 13, 2007. Retrieved May 5, 2018.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "Board Names New School David Lee "Tex" Hill Middle School". North East Independent School District. June 17, 2013. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  12. ^ "School Directory". North East Independent School District. North East ISD. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  13. ^ "Valor awards for David Lee "Tex" Hill". Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  14. ^ "David Lee "Tex" and Mazie Hill". Warbirds of America. 9 February 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  15. ^ "David Lee "Tex" Hill". Dayton Daily News. Legacy.com. Retrieved 1 May 2021.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Greenlaw, Olga. The Lady and the Tigers: Remembering the Flying Tigers of World War II, ed. Daniel Ford. 2002.
  • Flying Tigers: American Volunteer Group
  • Ford, Daniel (August 21, 2007). Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and His American Volunteers, 1941-1942. HarperCollins, Smithsonian Books. ISBN 978-0-06-124655-5.
  • Hill, David Lee; Schaupp, Reagan (August 30, 2003). Tex Hill: Flying Tiger. Honoribus Press. ISBN 1-885354-15-0.
[edit]
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