THE WALL OF FACES

The "Friends of Rocky Versace" remember one of Rocky's fellow alumni from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, CPT Frank Allen Hill III, on what would've been his 72nd birthday - 4 December 2017.

Captain Frank Allen Hill III, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

Frank Allen Hill , III
Date of birth: December 4, 1945
Date of death: August 3, 1969
Place of Birth: Rhode Island, Providence
Home of record: Warwick Rhode Island
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Frank Allen Hill, III (ASN: OF-111614), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Hill distinguished himself by intrepid action on 3 August 1969 while serving as the Battalion S-2 Officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Captain Hill was accompanying a friendly infantry unit as it moved toward an enemy stronghold near Quang Ngai City and found a large bomb crater with a tunnel located on one side. As a small group advanced to investigate, the entire company came under intense hostile fire from a well-concealed enemy force. Captain Hill immediately took a covered position and began placing supportive fire on the insurgents to alleviate pressure on several friendly soldiers who had been trapped in the crater. At this time, he spotted a wounded comrade lying in an exposed area. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Hill quickly crawled through the heavy volumes of hostile fire being directed against him to the wounded man. After pulling the casualty to safety and administering first aid, he again braved the enemy fire and returned to the battle area to attempt to extract another fallen comrade. During this time, Captain Hill was struck by several hostile rounds but continued to engage the insurgents until succumbing to his wounds. His courageous actions were directly responsible for saving the life of his fellow soldier and instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. Captain Hill's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 8089 (August 21, 1969)

Action Date: August 3, 1969

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade

Division: Americal Division

CPT Frank Allen Hill III was an alumnus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. He was one of 335 men from West Point who died or are MIA in Southeast Asia/Indochina during the period October, 1957 – September, 1972. “Well done; Be thou at peace.”

I knew Frank well. We were classmates at La Salle Academy in Providence. We were in the "smart class" and according to the practice at the time were together in almost all our classes.

Frank was a star and successful at everything he did. He was an athlete in several sports ( I believe he was all state in at least one) He graduated either first or second in his high school class. At West Point he was at or near the top of his class.

I don't know the circumstances of his death, but he died as a 23 year old Captain.
He was one of the finest young men I have ever known.