Military Veterans

Ralyn M. Hill

Date of Birth

6 May 1899

Date of Death

25 March 1977

Brick Location

Eagle Side

Panel Number

19A

Biography

Corporal Ralyn Hill was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving near Donnevoux, France, on 7 October 1918.  

The Award Citation reads:

Seeing a French airplane fall out of control on the enemy side of the Meuse River with its pilot injured, Corporal Hill voluntarily dashed across the footbridge to the side of the wounded man, and, taking him on his back, started back to his lines.  During the entire exploit he was subjected to murderous fire of enemy machine guns and artillery, but he successfully accomplished his mission and brought his man to a place of safety, a distance of several hundred yards.  He also rescued secret papers from the burning plane.  

Rayln received several other (unstated) medals for his service in the Army during World War I.  

In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower personally appointed Hill, a career postal employee, to be Postmaster for the President’s home town, Abilene, KS.


Branch:

U.S. Army

Awards and Medals

Rank

Corporal

Years

World War I

Duty

Company H, 129th Infantry, 33rd Division