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Jack and Josh Hill, twin brothers, were born in Jasper, Hamilton County, Florida on April 22,1924. They were adopted at an early age by Louis G. and Rena Mae Hill. Jack and Josh's father, Louis, was a citrus farmer in Babson Park, Polk County, Florida in 1930.
On November 25,1940 Jack and Josh Hill, entered Army service. Both sons obtained Army serial numbers that were very close to each other. Jack's ASN - 20419379 and Josh's ASN - 20419387. The first number "2" indicates National Guard Service. They both were 16 years old at the time of their enlistment. After completing their 17 week basic training course both boys were assigned to the same National Guard Regiment for the next two years.
On April 29,1943, Private First Class Jack Hill, now serving with the 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, in E company, shipped overseas to Casablanca, French Morocco, Africa, in preparation for the invasion of Sicily. Jack Hill made combat jumps into Sicily the night of July 9/10, 1943 and then into Paestum, Italy the night of September 14/15, 1943.
While Private First Class Jack Hill was in Naples, Italy waiting to return to England, he was transferred to the 504th PIR on November 14th 1943. Five months later, after tough fighting in Anzio and the mountains passes of Italy, Jack returned to the 505-PIR in early April 1944. Otis Sampson Sr. wrote of his return to the 505 in his book "No Time For Combat" on page 181, (see below). In June of 1944, Jack Hill made his 3rd combat jump into Normandy, France.
After Normandy furloughs were granted to all. Private First Class Jack Hill was late returning from his furlough. He was confined to quarters and reduced to a Private without a trial. On August 25th 1944, Private Jack Hill was transferred into Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion.
In April of 1943, Sergeant Josh Hill applied to the Aviation Cadet program in hopes of becoming a fighter pilot. Unfortunately for Josh Hill, United States Army Ground Forces were about to close the program he had just entered.
All cadets in the Aviation Cadet program that were not yet entered in pre-flight training were to be returned to Army ground forces. This was due to shortages within the Selective Service system and the impending invasion of Europe. These students, along with those from the Army Specialized Training Program were to be sent to line units (Infantry). Josh was sent to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and shipped overseas. Because Sergeant Josh Hill worked at the Parachute School he was already jump qualified and had his wings.
We are still working here May 19, 2024, 505-RCT webmaster.
Family members of Josh and Jack Hill please contact us at the website. Click here
Sergeant First Class Jack Hill died in an automobile accident on January 26th 1949, just 8 days after he re - enlisted on January 18th,1949.
Private First Class Jack Hill marching in the New York City
Victory Parade, January 12,1946. Jack was one of the few marching
that was with the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment since September of 1942.
The photo above appears in the book "Time Out For Combat" by Otis Sampson.
Otis makes mention of Jack Hill many times in his book.
Grand Stand ticket for the Victory Parade honoring the 82nd Airborne Division.
From the collection of John T. Diffin, 505-PIR, G Company.
Private Wesley Forsythe (left) and Private First Class Jack Hill (right) Easter
Sunday, England April 9,1944. Photo taken at the Albert Memorial Garden in
Kensington Gardens, London, England.
** (Webmaster note; Jack Hill has just returned from combat with the 504-PIR
on Anzio beach and the mountain passes of Italy.
In the book "Time Out for Combat" by Otis Sampson Sr., On page 181,
Otis tells of Jack Hill's return to the 505-PIR in April 1944.
On November 14, 1943 approximately 150+ 505-PIR paratroopers were
loaned to the 504-PIR to support General Mark Clark's 5th Army in Italy.
In the book "Time Out for Combat" by Otis Sampson Sr., On page 190,
is the jump roster for the plane that took Pfc. Jack Hill to Normandy, France.
Below 1930 census, for Babson Park, Polk County, Florida. Jack and Josh Hill were adopted at an early age. They were 4 years old when this census was taken.
Courtesy of Ancestry.com
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General Henry "Hap" Arnold closes the Aviation Cadet School due to a
shortage of Infantry replacements in May of 1944.
The webmaster's uncle received the above Army notice. He entered the Aviation
Cadet Program around the same time as Sergeant Josh Hill.
Josh Hill's, Draft Registration Card, was filled out on October 1,1945. Front side.
Josh is listed as a student, most likely with the help of the WW-II G.I. Bill.
He eventually became a doctor and osteopathic surgeon in Texas and Florida.
Jack and Josh Hill pose with the Future Farmers of America,
the Seminole, Florida Chapter, in 1940.
Sergeant First Class Jack Hill dies in an automobile accident.
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