David Lee "Tex" Hill

David Lee "Tex" Hill
Name	David Lee Hill
Nickname	Tex
Birth date	July 13, 1915
Death date	October 11, 2007
Birth place	Kwangju, Korea under Japanese rule
Death place	San Antonio, Texas, United States
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Navy (1938–1942), United States Army Air Forces (1942–1946), Texas Air National Guard (1946–1968)
Serviceyears	1938–1968
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	American Volunteer Group, 23rd Fighter Group
Battles	Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (4), Air Medal (2)

David Lee "Tex" Hill was a celebrated American fighter pilot and brigadier general renowned for his service with the legendary American Volunteer Group (the "Flying Tigers") during World War II. Born in Korea to missionary parents, he became a naval aviator before resigning his commission to join the clandestine volunteer group fighting for China against Japan. Hill emerged as one of the American Volunteer Group's top aces, later commanding the 23rd Fighter Group in the China Burma India Theater and serving with distinction in the United States Army Air Forces and Texas Air National Guard.

Early life and education

David Lee Hill was born on July 13, 1915, in Kwangju, in what was then Korea under Japanese rule. His parents, Presbyterian missionaries from Texas, instilled in him a strong sense of duty. He returned to the United States for his education, graduating from San Antonio Academy and later attending Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Deciding on a military career, Hill entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with the class of 1938 and receiving his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy.

Military career

Following his graduation from Annapolis, Hill completed flight training and was designated a naval aviator. He served with Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3) aboard the aircraft carrier USS ''Saratoga'', flying the Grumman F3F biplane fighter. In 1941, he made the pivotal decision to resign his naval commission to join the American Volunteer Group, a group of American pilots recruited to aid China against Japan prior to the United States' formal entry into World War II. This move transitioned his service from the United States Navy to what would become the United States Army Air Forces.

Flying Tigers and World War II service

As a flight leader in the American Volunteer Group's 2nd Pursuit Squadron, "Tex" Hill quickly gained fame for his aggressive tactics and skill flying the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. He scored his first aerial victories in December 1941 over Kunming and Rangoon. Hill became one of the group's most successful pilots, officially credited with 12.25 aerial victories during his tour with the Flying Tigers. After the American Volunteer Group was disbanded in July 1942, many of its pilots, including Hill, were inducted into the United States Army Air Forces. He was appointed commander of the 75th Fighter Squadron of the new 23rd Fighter Group, the official successor to the Flying Tigers. He later rose to command the entire 23rd Fighter Group, leading it in combat across the China Burma India Theater and adding to his victory tally.

Post-war life and later career

Following the end of World War II, Hill left active duty but remained deeply involved in aviation. He joined the newly formed Texas Air National Guard's 111th Fighter-Bomber Squadron at Robert Gray Army Airfield in Waco, Texas. He held several command positions, eventually becoming the commander of the 149th Fighter Group and later serving as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air for the State of Texas. Hill retired from the Texas Air National Guard in 1968 with the rank of brigadier general. In civilian life, he was a successful businessman and a dedicated advocate for veterans' affairs.

Awards and decorations

Brigadier General Hill's valor was recognized with numerous military awards. His highest award was the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in aerial combat. He also received the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, and two Air Medals. His service ribbons included the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal, among others.

Legacy and honors

"Tex" Hill is remembered as one of the most iconic figures of the Flying Tigers and a hero of World War II. His legacy is preserved at museums like the Flying Tigers Heritage Park in Guilin, China, and the Commemorative Air Force. In Texas, he was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame. The Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, honors his service. His leadership and combat record continue to be studied as a prime example of early American air combat prowess in the Pacific War.

Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States) Category:United States Army Air Forces pilots