[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 127 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MAJOR ALEXANDER W. HILL FOR HIS SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES 
                               AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2018

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and commend 
Major Alexander ``Alex'' W. Hill from Federal Way, Washington, on his 
service in the United States Air Force.
  Major Hill distinguished himself from an early age. He attended local 
public schools and in 2002, graduated from Fife High School as a 
Washington State Honor Graduate. Major Hill then attended Washington 
State University (WSU), where he met his future wife, Sara, who is now 
the mother to their two young daughters, Mackenna and Arlee. He made 
the selfless decision to go above and beyond by joining the ROTC 
program at WSU. After graduating in 2006, Major Hill was commissioned 
in the Air Force.
  Major Hill's career in the Air Force has been one marked with 
distinction. He has logged over 2,800 flight hours and more than 1,600 
combat hours. He has mastered operating a wide variety of aircrafts 
including AC-130U, AC-130W, MC-130W, MC-12W, C-130E/H/J, TC-12, and T-
6A. Among his many accomplishments, Major Hill was awarded the Army 
Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf 
clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Aerial Achievement 
Award.
  Major Hill has proven himself to be a strong and capable leader. On 
November second, 2016, joint U.S. and Afghan forces were ambushed by 
Taliban fighters near Kunduz, Afghanistan. Having suffered sixteen 
casualties in the first few moments of the ambush, and surrounded on 
all sides with enemies rapidly approaching, friendly forces turned to 
their air support--an AC-130U gunship commanded by Major Hill. Over the 
next two hours of non-stop combat, the gunship's crew conducted 
nineteen attacks, firing lethal ordnance within meters of their 
severely wounded comrades. Major Hill and his crewmember's efforts 
prevented enemy soldiers from approaching, and allowed the joint U.S. 
and Afghan forces to successfully withdraw and evacuate their wounded.
  Throughout the engagement, Major Hill and his crew displayed 
perseverance and quick thinking in a seemingly impossible situation. 
They were able to remain calm throughout multiple weapon malfunctions 
and setbacks. In the end, Major Hill and his crew saved fifty lives 
that day. Their bravery and clear-headedness earned them the 2016 
MacKay Trophy for most meritorious flight of the year.
  Noted as humble by his peers, Major Hill is a committed leader who 
serves our country with distinction. He has not only answered the call 
to duty, but has answered it with exceptional skill and discipline.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Major Alexander 
Hill, and thank him for his exemplary leadership and courage in service 
to his country.

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