R VERNON HILL MEMORIAL POST 67
309 14th ST S.E. PUYALLUP, WA 98372


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POST HISTORY

Richard Vernon Hill October 2, 1908 - September 5, 1992

" Scratch a quiet person, sometimes, and you find a hero." These words of columnist Lori Price referring to Vernon Hill ring so true. Eagle Scout, ROTC at U. Washington 1927-28, member of Shanghai International Compound Volunteer Corps 1937 to 1941 preceded his volunteering as a private in infantry, U. S. Army August 12, 1942. Commissioned 2nd Lt. Infantry March 17,1943. Sent to China in 1944, Lt. Hill was given full responsibility to organize and operate a secret escape net (OSS) for downed Allied airmen from behind the enemy lines. Operating alone behind enemy lines, Lt. Hill in 8 months rescued 46 airmen from certain capture. August 15, 1945 Vernon Hill (now Captain) received urgent radio message from commanding general of U.S. Forces, China Theater, that Capt. Hill was assigned the responsibility for securing the safe turnover of all Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees in the Hankow area. Capt. Hill traveled 200 miles (by foot and horseback) in 6 days to Hankow, and alone, successfully convinced the surprised Japanese generals to turn over unharmed all POW's in the Hankow area. November 15, 1945, Capt. Hill returned to U.S.A. Weakened from malnutrition and 3 kinds of malaria, this courageous and brave Army man spent the next year in military hospitals. For his W.W.II efforts in China, Vernon Hill was awarded 2 Battle Stars, 2 Bronze Stars ( one for valor ), 3 Chinese Medals plus many other awards before his discharge as Major on July 19, 1947. This saga does not end here.

1953 - American Legionnaire, 1957 - Post Commander, 1960 - District Commander, 1964 - Department Commander, 1958 to 1991- National Security Commission, 1959 to 1992 - National Merchant Marine Committee, 1989 - wrote the successful book My War With Imperial Japan Escape and Evasion. Maj. R. Vernon Hill, Ret., spent most of post W.W.II organizing and chairing fundraising groups for our U.S. Veterans and our Youth of America, a true and exceptional giver to his country and community.

R. Vernon Hill: American, Patriot, Giver, Silent Hero.

The Silent Hero He was the silent hero, this Richard Vernon Hill His mark was left, his weight was felt, this man of iron will. He fought for all that's right and holy in all his walks of life. Did not complain nor lay the blame, moved forward through the strife. He knew this strife throughout his life, but dwelt not on the hardships His actions spoke far louder than what passed soft-spoken lips. We honor this silent hero whose steadfast way survives today in what he did for us. His actions always spoke for him; we heard no noise or fuss. The funeral knell he knew so well has sounded now for him. Take up the fight and do what's right though what's ahead looks grim. The silent hero's post we now and hereby do instill; This honored name we do proclaim as Richard Vernon Hill. By Terry Davies A very close and long time friend.

Legion HISTORY