Sergeant Major/Captain Ronald Guy Hill

We are fortunate to have in our community a few unique veterans who have a deep understanding of the history of our nation and the sacrifices necessary to preserve our freedoms.  Perhaps the most visible and most active is Sergeant Major/Captain Ron Hill.  Ron’s unique perspective comes from participation in three wars and the understanding that can only come from operating at the highest levels at the Pentagon.

For a decorated soldier with Ron’s distinguished career the details of his service would fill volumes.  We have only given the highlights of his service here, but even the highlights reveal the depth of his service, dedication, and patriotism.

Ron joined the Army at only eighteen and at once became a part of the 9^th Field Artillery Battery of the 3^rd Infantry Division in Korea.  His service there included the defense of key positions at Outpost Harry sector in the “Iron Triangle” during repeated attacks by the Chinese Army.  It was a period of attacks, repeated counterattacks, hand-to-hand combat, and unprecedented artillery action.  Ron distinguished himself repeatedly and was promoted to Sergeant First Class at the age of only nineteen and assigned as Battalion Sergeant Major.  In 1965 he was and is still the youngest soldier to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major in the modern history of the Army.

In 1967 Ron received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant and a brief time later promoted to Captain when he volunteered for service in Vietnam.  Upon his arrival in Vietnam. He was immediately assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.  He was interviewed and selected by General Abrams commander of all U.S. Forces in Vietnam.  He was assigned the task of filling a position usually reserved for Colonels, reporting directly to General Abrams.  His duties arose from Senate hearings on alleged improprieties and profiteering in the operation of servicemen’s clubs.  In this capacity Ron cleaned up the operation of entertainment shows involving some 3,400 individuals.  His role was further complicated by dealing with twenty-six different nationalities contracted to provide entertainment at military service clubs for the US Military, Contractors in Vietnam, and all USO Shows in Vietnam.  His organizational skills and ability to produce results were already recognized by his peers and field commanders, and his results-oriented focus would be a hallmark of his service and post-Vietnam service.