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Donald R. Hill "Don" born October 1, 1921, passed away from cancer Monday, May 24, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, William I. and Tressa Marotz Hill; brother, Lloyd Russell Hill, and sister, Frances Louise Henderson. Don joined the Marine Corps on 11 April 1940 and was honorably discharged 25 April 1946 as a Technical Sgt. He was assigned to Sea Duty aboard the cruiser, USS Nashville, CL 43 immediately upon graduating from "Boot Camp" giving him an opportunity to see the world at Government expense. From Reykjavik, Iceland to Cape Verde Islands, Azores Islands, Bermuda, and Cuba plus many USA ports prior to 7 December 1941. War brought a second convoy to Iceland and then a return to the Pacific. After some months in the South Pacific, the Aleutian Islands, and the Northern Bering Sea, his ship, The USS Nashville CL43, accompanied the famous "Doolittle Raid" on Tokyo on 18 April 1942. The Nashville was responsible for sinking three Japanese ships that day. Don received a citation for his actions. Returning to the Aleutians, the Nashville was in action many times with various Japanese vessels and while bombarding Kiska and Attu Islands, Don was a shellman in No. 3 turret on a 6-inch gun, where he was hurt in both legs. After many more trips to the South Pacific, Don was transferred to shore duty at the Marine Corps Barracks in Pearl Harbor before returning to the mainland. After four months of stateside duty he was off to join the 1st Marine Division for action on Peleliu and Okinawa islands. At war's end, he had earned 12 battle stars, ten aboard ship, one for Peleliu, and one for Okinawa. After ten successful years with the Singer Company, he joined the Prudential Insurance Company and was very proud that he never missed an annual leaders' conference given to their leaders. Retiring in March 1979 he was instrumental, with Ken Cook, in forming the Albuquerque Senior Men's Golf Association and for many years was tournament director, then president. Golf was one of the loves of his life until his health forced him to give it up. For many years Don and Goldie were very active with the USS Nashville Reunion Association, acting as Program Director, Secretary Treasurer, and Editors of the quarterly newspaper. Also, he was Reunion Planner for the United States Seagoing Marine Association and had a very successful reunion in Albuquerque in August 2003 for which he was given a citation of thanks and a flag which had been flown on "Old Ironsides" on the Marines' birthday in 2002. He is his survived by his cherished wife, Goldie, of almost 60 years; daughter, Debra Hill-Covert, of Albuquerque; sons, Greg, of Albuquerque and Doug, and wife Joan of Jackson, NJ; brother, Bill and wife Connie of Del Norte, CO; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends who loved and will miss him. Don had 59 plus years as a member of Zia Daylight Lodge No. 77, a life member 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a life member of Ballut Abyad Shrine where he was active in the Patrol for many years. Don was Past Patron of Sunshine Chapter No. 54 Order of Eastern Star, Grand Junction, CO. He was a 69 year member of the Elks Lodge # 461. He belonged to American Legion Post # 49. Marine Corps League Jerry Murphy Detachment # 381, and a life member of the John W. Smokov Chapter 33 Disabled American Veterans. Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be taken to Colorado. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at Los Altos Christian Church, 11900 Haines NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. His namesake, the Rev. Dr. Donald R. Sarton, will conduct the Services. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that a contribution be made to the Ballut Abyad Shrine Transportation Fund, 6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St, NW, ABQ, 87107. 505-343-8008.
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