William Marsh Hill

William Marsh Hill 2638410

December 18, 1925-February 21, 1945

William Marsh Hill, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy J. Hill was born December 18, 1925, at 302 S. College St., Monroe, N.C.

Billy Marsh was a member of the Central Methodist Church. When quite young, he was awarded a Testament, for two years perfect attendance, at Sunday School.

He attended the Monroe Schools and was a member of the school band for nine years, playing first Clarinet. On May 25, 1943, he received the Monroe Lions Club Citizenship award. Billy Marsh received his diploma May 25, 1943 and was taking post graduate work at the time he went into the service of his country.

In September 1941, Billy Marsh became an Eagle Scout. He was a Junior Assistant Scout Master, Explorer Patrol Leader, member of the Order of the Arrow ( National Organization for advanced Scouts), holder of the Bronze Palm and served as councellor at Camp Cabarrus, the Scout Camp for this district, for several years.

When Civilian Defense was organized in Monroe, Billy Marsh was an Air Raid Warden Dispatcher for the South West Section of Monroe.

On December 16, 1943, two days before his eighteenth birthday Billy Marsh left for boot camp at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Jacksonville, Fla., where on February 17, 1944 he was selected as one of the eight to attend Naval Aviation Ordnance School, and was sent to Norman, Oklahoma. On June 5, 1944 this course completed, he was sent to the West Coast.

In August of 1944, when the need of the fleet was so great, in preparation for coming invasions, Billy Marsh, with six other boys, was taken our of training to complete the complement of the newly commissioned escort carrier Bismarck Sea. The carrier immediately proceeded to the forward area and on November 1st., reported for duty with the Seventh Fleet, and came under her first attack November 21. The Bismarck Sea was n three major operations in less than four months, and was one of the first to enter the S. China Sea after the fall of Corregidor. She furnished air coverage at Leyte, her planes led an air attack against two Japanese destroyers in the Lingayen Gulf, sinking them.

The Carrier was under air attack several times, and on February 21, 1945, when the sun set, it was never to shine on the Bismarck Sea again for " she went down as she had fought, gallantly and aggressively."

Billy Marsh Hill went down with his ship. His service ribbons covered three theaters of war: American, Pacific and Philippine. One Silver Star and three Bronze Stars representing invasions which he participated in at Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima. The Purple Heart and World War 11 Victory Medal.

On the Walls of the Memorial Chapel, Manila, Philippine Islands, Billys name, rate, organization, state of origin and date of death, along with the names of his shipmates is inscribed.

In the Memorial Chapel of the Four Chaplains, the National Shrine, In Philadelphia, William Marsh Hills’ name is inscribed on the pages of the " Book of Remembrance", together with other heroes who paid the "last measure of full devotion". This shrine was dedicated February 3, 1951, the address of dedication being made by the President of the United States.

Billy Marsh Hill is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Roy J. Hill and one sister, Miss Dorothy Hill.

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