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"It's good to be alive," John T. Hill gleefully said at the meeting of Rutherford County Commissioners recently where he was recognized. Hill, 100, is a World War II veteran where he served in the US Navy, and is among only a few World War II veterans remaining in Rutherford County.
Veteran Services Director Susan Hall said Hill is the only WWII veteran recorded on the books at their office who receives services. Veterans from across the county are encouraged to check with the veterans office to make sure they are receiving benefits due them.
Commissioners officially proclaimed Thursday, April 17 as John Thomas Hill Day in Rutherford County.
After his service in the war, Hill was awarded the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal for his WWII service. Hill lost those medals when his home burned many years ago in Spindale.
On his 100th birthday, he received new medals from elected officials during a celebration at the Veterans Services Office in Spindale. Hill was drafted shortly after the bombing and saw the destruction of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, his son Tim Hill said. Hill served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga in the Pacific as a cook.
"He said he kept the food ready to serve all the sailors," Tim said.
When John Hill returned home to Spindale after the War, he was ordained into the ministry and served 70 years pastoring several churches in Rutherford County.
Hill had 13 children, six are deceased. He also buried two wives and all of his seven brothers and sisters.
The official proclamation reads:
Resolution Honoring WWII Veteran John Thomas Hill
WHEREAS, Rutherford County Native John Thomas Hill entered the US Navy on September 2, 1943; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Hill served in WWII aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga in the Pacific as a cook; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Hill was honorably discharged from the US Navy on January 5, 1946; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Hill was awarded the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Victory Medal for his WWII service; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Hill returned to Rutherford County after his US Navy service and has continued to live in his native county throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Hill will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 17, 2025 in his native Rutherford County.
THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners wish to honor John Thomas Hill's military service on his centenary birthday by declaring April 17, 2025 as John Thomas Hill Day in Rutherford County.
BE IT ALSO PROCLAIMED by the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners that the entire community hereby offer its admiration, congratulations, and very best wishes to John Thomas Hill on his 100th birthday.
Approved this the 7th day of April, 2025.
