Colonel Louis D. Hill

"Outstanding -like a farmer in his field" is the reply one would get in response to the question, how are you, Colonel? Throughout his life, Colonel Louis Driver Hill exemplified optimism at every juncture. His determined confidence embodied in a cheerful, playful demeanor prompted Colonel Hill to overcome stringent obstacles, accomplish great feats and inspire a multitude.

Louis Driver Hill was born July 12, 1916 in Centerville, Alabama to John Henry Hill, Jr. and Lily Belle Smith Hill. He was the seventh of the couple's eight surviving children: Odelle, Bailey, Ivie, John III, Booker, Earline, Louis, and Joseph. He grew up in a family of high achievers who aspired to bring honor to the family name. His parents set a standard he tried hard to live up to. He, however, aspired beyond individual achievement. At a young age, Louis decided he would commit his life to helping end racial segregation and to reducing racial discrimination of African Americans.

His dedication to excellence started at an early age. The valedictorian of his high school graduating class, Colonel Hill enrolled as a freshman at the historically black Alabama State University in 1934. As a college student, he further demonstrated his aptitude for education; and, as an earnest scholar and a committed community volunteer, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in 1936. He worked his way through college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Science from Alabama State University in 1938. Immediately following graduation, he accepted two positions teaching secondary school chemistry and mathematics at Randolph County Training School in Roanoke, Alabama and Covington County Training School in Andalusia, Alabama. While in college, Louis met Ecra Jett and "fell in love with the skinny, long-legged beauty who worked in the Dean's office." On November 7, 1942, following her graduation, they were wed by a justice of the peace in Alexandria, Louisiana. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Ecra Elaine (died in infancy) and Myrna Earline. During this period, Colonel Hill was drafted into the Army, which was the beginning of a distinguished thirty-year military service career.

Colonel Hill exemplary performed his duties as a military officer while conquering the barriers of racial discrimination and inequality. One notable achievement is illustrated by his appointment as a Staff Services Officer, Headquarters, 15th Air Force (SAC). Colonel Hill was the first African American officer to serve at March Air Force Base, Riverside, California.

Another notable achievement is his service as the Officer in charge of Cadet Classifications Psychological Section at the Tuskegee Army Air Base, Tuskegee, Alabama. He was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen who served during World War II and he was one of the founding members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated. Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, providing seed money for the initial deserving students to attend college. He served on the board of directors from its inception until he passed. For over 39 years, Colonel Hill productively served Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., an international organization formed to preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Furthermore, Colonel Hill was an honored guest of President Clinton to celebrate the 50th anniversary of VJ day. In 1945, he was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu, Hawaii, serving as the Squadron Commander, 10th Air Ammunition Squadron.

He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush. The President autographed his award photograph with the words, "With Respect and Appreciation." Colonel Hill also rode atop the "Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above" float in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade in 2007 as a testament to his service. Colonel Hill was an honored guest at the Hollywood preview of George Lucas' film Red Tails, a story about the Tuskegee Airmen experience.

After retiring from the Air Force, Colonel Hill was employed by Northrop Corporation for ten years; first as manager of the Logistics Support Department of the Aircraft Group and subsequently promoted to Director of Logistics Engineering. Colonel Hill’s Logistic Support Department determined the equipment and spare parts required to support all of the Northrop-manufactured aircraft that was sold to twenty-five foreign countries. He served as a member of the Management Council of the Aircraft Group and as the National Chairman of the Aerospace Industry Association’s Spare Parts Committee.

With both his military and civilian careers complete, Colonel Hill committed his time to his community and to his family. To his community, Colonel Hill participated in several activities, which included serving on the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles County Parks Service, the Urban League, the Congress of Racial Equality, the National Alliance of Business, and the Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners’ Association. To his family, Uncle Colonel, as he was affectionately known, was the patriarch. He was a beloved uncle, a friend, an expert bridge player, and the ultimate pinnacle partner. Louis was the last surviving sibling of his generation. Uncle Louis was, and remains, an inspiration to future generations, leaving a legacy of education, hard work, persistence, optimism, and laughter.

Colonel Louis Driver Hill accomplished the goals he set for himself early in life. His life was full. His achievements, admirable. Colonel Hill was called home Wednesday, July 23, 2014, survived by his daughter, Myrna Earline Hill and a multitude, four generations, of nieces and nephews who love him dearly.

Here are some of Colonel Hill many achievements:

- He productively served Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., for 32 years.

- Assisted in the original organization of National TAI in 1972

- Served as Chairman of the National Audit and Financial Advisory Committee for nine consecutive years

- Served as a member of the National Ways and Means Committee

- Assisted in the organization of the Western Region Chapter

- Served as President of the Los Angeles Chapter

- One of the Founders of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation

- Served as a member and officer of the Scholarship Foundation Board consistently during its development and growth from seed money donated by its founders and other members to over two million dollars, while granting over 734 scholarships totaling and additional one million thirty-eight thousand five hundred dollars

- Currently serving, and has served for many years, as a member of the Board of Governors of the National TAI Historic Museum in Detroit, Michigan

- Served on the TAI committee for the development of the Tuskegee Airmen National Center (TANC) in Tuskegee, Alabama

- Served as a member of the National Executive Steering Committee in liaison with the National Parks Service and Tuskegee University for the development of the complete Tuskegee Airmen National Site.

Colonel Hill participated in the following community activities:

- Advisory Board of the Los Angeles County Parks Service

- Urban League

- Congress of Racial Equality

- National Alliance of Business

- Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners Association

He was also a member of the following organizations:

- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

- Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated

- Tau Sigma Rho, Scientific Society

- Society of Logistics Engineering

- Aerospace Industry Association

- The Logistics Engineering Education Foundation

- Alabama State University Alumni Association

- Northrop / Grumman Management Club