Benjamin H. Hill

Colonel, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 36 (March 19, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Benjamin H. Hill (ASN: 0-1306095), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 October 1944 near ****, Holland.
Displaying exceptional courage and leadership, First Lieutenant Hill established outposts in positions occupied by the enemy, despite furious and fanatical resistance. When moving on his second objective mean exposing the flank of his patrol to hostile fire, First Lieutenant Hill fearlessly moved forward alone over open ground in an effort to locate the enemy strong point. With complete disregard for his safety, First Lieutenant Hill exposed himself time and time again to enemy fire until the focal point of resistance was located. Then, signaling the balance of his patrol forward, he led the assault which took the strong point, capturing eight of the enemy and driving the balance away. Quickly consolidating the position, the patrol repelled two particularly vicious counterattacks.
The courage, aggressiveness and initiative displayed by First Lieutenant Hill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.