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Contact Info
Home Town Nyack, New York
Last Address Birnamwood, Wisconsin
Date of Passing Jan 05, 2012
Location of Interment Pompton Plains Reformed Church Cemetery - Pompton Plains, New Jersey
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.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Length 36.15 ft | 11.02 m Width 40.68 ft | 12.40 m Height 14.67 ft | 4.47 m Engine(s) 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double-Wasp eighteen cylinder radial engine generating 2,535hp. Empty Weight 9,949 lbs | 4,513 kg MTOW 17,500 lbs | 7,938 kg Max Speed 433 mph | 697 km/h | 376 kts Max Range 449 miles | 722 km Ceiling 40,994 ft | 12,495 m | 7.8 miles Climb Rate 3,200 ft/min (976 m/min) Hardpoints 3 Armament 8 x 12.7mm Machine Guns 10 x 5 in Air-to-Surface HE Rockets
Provision for bomb load, fuel drop tanks or rockets to a maximum of 2,500lbs (1,134kg). Accommodations 1
Major Variants
* XP-47B - Prototype featuring XR-2800 radial generating 1,850hp. * P-47B - Production model based on XP-47B prototype; R-2800-21 radial engine. * P-47C - Extended fuselage; Later types of this model featuring R-2800-59 radial at 2,300hp; Provisions for drop tanks and bombs. * P-47D - Main production model of which 12,602 produced; R-2800-21W (2,300hp) or R-2800-59W (2,535hp) water-injected radial powerplants; Increased MTOW capacity; Provision for drop tanks and air-to-surface HE rockets. * P-47G - Wright-produced P-47D models of which 354 produced. * P-47M - 'Sprinter' interception model designed to combat the V1 / V2 rocket threat; Featured specialized airbrake system and R-2800-57(C) radial generating 2,800hp; 130 produced. * P-47N - Exclusive Pacific Theater model; Long range variant with increased and reinforced wing section of which 1,816 produced; Longer wingspan with blunt-tipped wing tips concealing fuel compartments; R-2800-77 radial generating 2,800hp.