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Contact Info
Home Town Stillwater, Oklahoma
Last Address Colorado Springs, Colorado
Date of Passing May 20, 1999
Location of Interment United States Air Force Academy Cemetery (VLM) - Colorado Springs, Colorado
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James E. Hill, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 388th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 18 April 1945. Major Hill's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 134 (1945)
In the COIN role, T-28s saw extensive service during the Vietnam War in VNAF hands, as well as the Secret War in Laos. They were also supplied to Congo by the CIA to support Moise Tshombe's regime. France used locally remanufactured T-28s in close-support and patrol roles in Algeria. In the Philippines, T-28s, known locally as "Tora-toras", figured prominently in a series of coup de etats in the 1980s and were employed as dive bombers by rebel military forces. The T-28 Trojan was the first US attack fixed wing aircraft (non-transport type) lost in SOUTH Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Capt. Robert L. Simpson, USAF, Detachment 2A, lst Air Commando Group, and Lt. Hoa, SVNAF, were shot down by ground fire on 28 August 1962 while flying Close Air Support (CAS). Neither crewman survived. The USAF lost 23 T-28s to all causes during the war, with the last two losses occurring in 1968. [2]
General characteristics
* Crew: Two * Length: 33 ft 0 in (10.06 m) * Wingspan: 40 ft 1 in (12.22 m) * Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) * Wing area: 268 ft� (24.9 m�) * Empty weight: 6,424 lb (2,914 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 8,500 lb (3,856 kg) * Powerplant: 1� Wright R-1820-86 Cyclone radial engine, 1,425 hp (1,063 kW)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 343 mph (552 km/h) * Service ceiling 35,500 ft (10,820 m)
