Background
Hill, Harry W. was born on April 7, 1890 in Oakland, California, United States. Son of John Clayton and Ida Belle (Miller) Hill.
Hill, Harry W. was born on April 7, 1890 in Oakland, California, United States. Son of John Clayton and Ida Belle (Miller) Hill.
Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy, 1911. Graduated from Army Chemical Warfare School, 1923, Navy War College, 1938.
United States Navy retired). Commissioned ensign, United States Navy, 1912, and advanced through grades to 4 star admiral, 1952. Commanded United States Ship Wichita, February 1942, serving in North Atlantic, Marmansk convoy, and with British Home Fleet.
Commanded naval task force in South Pacific area, November 1942-September 1943.
Ordered to command Amphibious Group 2, United States Pacific Fleet, September 1943. Commanded assault and capture of Tarawa Atoll, November 1943, and occupation of Apamama Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November-December 1943.
Commanded occupation force at Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands, January 31, 1944, where first American flag to fly over pre-war Japanese territory was hoisted. Commanded force which assaulted and captured Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 17-22, 1944.
Second in command of assault force which captured Saipan, Marianas Islands, June 15-July 9, 1944.
In command of assault force which captured Tinian, Marianas Islands, July 24-August, 1944. Second in command Assault Force, Iwo Jima, February-March, 1945. Promoted to vice admiral in command Fifth Amphibious Force, April 1945.
In commanded Amphibious Force, Okinawa, May 17-July 1, 1945.
In occupation of southwestern Japan, September-October 1945. Founder, commandant National War College, Washington, 1946-1949.
Member United States Canadian Permanent Joint Board on Defense, 1940-1942. Superintendent United States Naval Academy, 1950-1952. Member Helms Hall of Fame for basketball.
Member Historic Annapolis, Potomac Chrysanthemum Society.
Clubs: Army and Navy (Washington, District of Columbia).
Married Margaret Harwood Hall, October 8, 1913. Children: Elizabeth Stockett, John Clayton (captain.