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Service Details |
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Personal Details
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Home State
New York | |
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Year of Birth
1919 |
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This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Hill, Frank Ackerman, Col USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
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Contact Info
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Home Town
Nyack, New York |
Last Address
Birnamwood, Wisconsin
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Date of Passing
Jan 05, 2012 |
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Location of Interment
Pompton Plains Reformed Church Cemetery - Pompton Plains, New Jersey |
Wall/Plot Coordinates
Not Specified |
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Last Known Activity
In WWII he was credited with destroying 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 2 probables and 5 damaged.
His Silver Star citation:
Awarded for actions during World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Frank A. Hill, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action.
In North Africa, while participating in aerial flight against the enemy on 6 May 1943, Major Hill distinguished himself by heroism and gallantry in action. At approximately 1200 hours, Major Hill was leading his squadron on a fighter sweep on the enemy's forward landing grounds in the Tunis area. Near Pont du Fahs, the squadron encountered six (6) ME-109's at 14,000 feet. In an engagement lasting fifteen (15) minutes, Major Hill succeeded in destroying two (2) of the enemy aircraft. At approximately 1630 hours of the same day, Major Hill was again flying with his squadron on a fighter sweep of the battle area. In the vicinity of Oudna, at 5,000 feet, the squadron encountered sixteen (16) ME-109's and Macchi 202's. During the engagement which followed, Major Hill attacked three (3) enemy aircraft flying in line astern. By skillfully pressing his attack, he damaged the lead plane, probably destroyed the second and damaged the third. During the same engagement, other pilots of the squadron destroyed four (4) of the enemy aircraft without loss to themselves. By destroying two (2), probably destroying one (1), and damaging two (2) enemy aircraft in one day's operations, Major Hill performed a feat of great skill and heroism at a time when destruction of enemy fighters were especially important, since the final drive of the North African Campaign was just beginning. Such actions reflect great credit upon himself and upon the Military Service of the United States. It is certain that such heroic deeds serve as an example of courage and heroism to all members of our armed forces.
Service: Army Air Forces
Rank: Major
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Other Comments:
Sources:
http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=564
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=83875659
http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=47642
http://www.cieldegloire.com/fg_031.php
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From Year
1942 |
To Year
1943 |
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Image
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Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications (Spitfire Mk Vb)
Replica Mk VB on display in 2009
Data from The Great Book of Fighters[154] and Jane�??s Fighting Aircraft of World War II[155]
General characteristics
* Crew: one pilot
* Length: 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m)
* Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
* Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.86 m)
* Wing area: 242.1 ft² (22.48 m²)
* Airfoil: NACA 2209.4(tip)
* Empty weight: 5,090 lb (2,309 kg)
* Loaded weight: 6,622 lb (3,000 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 6,770 lb (3,071 kg)
* Powerplant: 1�? Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 supercharged V12 engine, 1,470 hp at 9,250 ft (1,096 kW at 2,820 m)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 378 mph, (330 kn, 605 km/h)
* Combat radius: 410 nmi (470 mi, 760 km)
* Ferry range: 991 nmi (1,140 mi, 1,840 km)
* Service ceiling: 35,000 ft (11,300 m)
* Rate of climb: 2,665 ft/min (13.5 m/s)
* Wing loading: 24.56 lb/ft² (119.91 kg/m²)
* Power/mass: 0.22 hp/lb (0.36 kW/kg)
Armament
* Guns: Mk I, Mk II, Mk VA
o (VA) 8 �? .303in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 350 rpg
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o (VB on) 2 �? 20 mm (0.787-in) Hispano Mk II cannon, 60 rpg (drum magazine); (VC) 120 rpg (belt loaded, box magazine)
o 4 �? 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 350 rpg
* Bombs:
o 2 �? 250 lb (113 kg) bombs
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