My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
US Navy, US Army Veteran James Elmo Hill, Age 65 of Crossville, TN.
Died Aug. 11, 1993
James Elmo Hill (Jimmy) was born August 11, 1928 in Crossville TN the son of Walter and Effie Hill, the youngest of nine children. He joined the Navy when he was 14 years old and served there until 1947.
In 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
He enrolled in Airborne Training and earned his parachute wings. Later he qualified for the Infantry Badge and Glider Badge. During the Korean Conflict he was assigned to the 187th Regimental Combat Team where he completed combat jumps which qualified him for the addition of a wreath to the Infantry Badge. He completed the Special Forces Green Beret training in the 1960s and was assigned to three different periods of combat duty in Vietnam. He held the Master Parachute Badge with over 900 jumps and was also awarded the Vietnam Parachute Badge. His also awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea Ribbon. Other award were Vietnam Campaign Medal with Dev/60, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm
He spent 25 1/2 years in military service, first in the Navy I World War II with combat in the Pacific :He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, American Theater Medal, Victory Medal and the European/African/Middle Eastern Medal.
At the rank of sergeant first class his military service ended in 1972 with a medical retirement, He was a member of the Special Forces Association, the 187th Regimental Combat Team Association and the Disabled Veterans of America.. He passed away on his birthday 1993 and is buried in Crossville City Cemetery
We had a great 6.72 Mile walk today. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today. We walked to the Crossville City Cemetery to visit this great hero’s grave. We got to meet his niece and her husband at the cemetery. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted today in helping us honor this hero.
US Navy, US Army Veteran James Elmo Hill will not be forgotten !
