COMMANDER ANDREW J. HILL, United States Navy received the Gold Star in lieu of the second Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NICHOLAS during operations in the Solomon Islands Area on the night of August 17-18, 1943. When an enemy Japanese force of four destroyers and a large number of landing barges endeavored under cover of night to reinforce the enemy garrisons in the Vella Lavella-Kolombangara Area, Commander (then Lieutenant Commander) Hill, with exceptional tactical skill under relentless gun and torpedo fire, led the NICHOLAS and a Task Force in a brilliant interception of the hostile vessels. He fought his ship gallantly and contributed to the destruction of two destroyers, severe damage to a third and the annihilation of a number of landing barges. Having routed the enemy, he brought his vessel through this vital engagement unscathed. The superb leadership and unflinching courage displayed by Commander Hill and the loyal devotion to duty of his crew reflect great credit upon the United Stats Naval Service.

RADM Hill resided in California.

View Rear Admiral Hill’s First Navy Cross.