John A. Hilger

On January 11, 1909 John Allen Hilger was born in Sherman, Texas. He was one of four sons born to John Frederick and Emma Viola Hilger. He was a graduate of Sherman High School in 1926 and on the same year, he enrolled at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. But, he had to halt his studies in 1929 probably due to financial issues. He resumed his education in the autumn of 1931 and simultaneously wed Ina Mae Smith. In 1932, he successfully earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. While at Texas A&M, he participated in the university's military program and was affiliated with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.[1]

Hilger embarked on his military career in May 1932 when he became a second lieutenant within the Infantry Reserve of the United States Army. Subsequently, in February 1933, he enrolled in the U.S. Army Air Corps flying school as a flying cadet. After completing his training, he earned his wings and officially joined the active duty ranks of the Air Corps in February 1934. Following this, his initial post-training assignment was at March Field in California, where he undertook various roles such as serving as an assistant base adjutant, a pilot, and overseeing the photographic section on the base.[2]

By March 1937, Hilger had gone through a divorce and subsequently entered into a new marriage with Virginia Hope Botterud in Los Angeles. Together, they had two children. In October 1939, Hilger was transferred to McChord Field in Washington, and in May 1940, he was appointed as the commander of the 89th Reconnaissance Squadron. He continued to serve at McChord Field, operating North American B-25 Mitchell bombers during anti-submarine patrols until February 1942. During this time, he achieved promotions to the ranks of captain and later to major.[2]

Hilger was assigned to Army Air Force headquarters in January 1946. He worked in the Pentagon where he served as chief of internal policy—a branch of the plans division—until August 1948. He then attended the Air War College and, after graduation, was assigned to the 307th Bomb Wing as commander. The 307th is located at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. From September 1949 to March 1950, he served as commander of the 306th Bomb Group, which was also at MacDill.[2][7]

B-29 Superfortress of 307th BG over Korea (1951)

During the Korean War, Hilger assumed command of the 307th Bomb Group, which was stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, where they flew B-29 Superfortress in combat missions. On November 8, 1950, Hilger led an air raid near Sinuiju, North Korea, which resulted in the destruction of the target despite formidable anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition, and the fact that the city was 666 yards (609 m) on the other side of the Yalu River from the Chinese city of Andong. Additionally, Hilger took on roles within the 307th Bomb Wing staff and later commanded the 307th BW at Kadena AFB from December 1950 to April 1951. Afterward, he served as the director of operations at the headquarters of the 6th Air Division, based at MacDill Air Force Base, until he enrolled in the National War College in Washington, D.C., in August 1951.[9][7][2]

In July 1952, Hilger assumed the role of chief in the allocations division within the Directorate of Operations at the Pentagon. He held this position until July 1955 when he was reassigned as the commander of the Air Force Operational Test Center at the Eglin Air Force Base, which was part of the Air Proving Ground Command. In October 1956, he received a promotion to the rank of brigadier general and continued to lead the operational test center until June 1957. Following this, Hilger's next posting sent him to Turkey, where he served as the commander of the U.S. Air Force Group within the Joint U.S. Military Mission for Aid to Turkey, a position he held from June 1957 to June 1959.[2]

From July 1959 to July 1961, he assumed the role of Chief of Staff for Allied Air Forces in Northern Europe, which was part of NATO, based in Oslo, Norway. Subsequently, he served at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas as the Chief of Staff of Air Training Command from August 1961 to July 1964. He then took on the responsibilities of Deputy Chief of Staff for LIVE OAK and also served as the Chief of the United States Element for LIVE OAK starting from July 1964. On November 30, 1966, he retired from the Air Force.[2][7]

Following his military retirement, Hilger was employed by the United States Atomic Energy Commission until he fully retired in early 1982. On February 3, 1982, Hilger passed away at the age of 73. In accordance with his wishes, his remains were cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, close to the coast of Newport Beach, California.[10]

On November 9, 2001, Hilger and 12 other Doolittle Raiders who were born in Texas were inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston.[11]

During his lengthy career, Hilger earned many decorations, including:[12][13]

 This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Air Force.

• Woodall, James R. (2015). Twelve Texas Aggie War Heroes: From World War I to Vietnam (Hardcover). Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 9781623493196.

• Nelson, Craig (2001). The First Heroes: The Extraordinary Story of the Doolittle Raid—America's First World War II Victory (Hardcover). New York: Viking Penguin. ISBN 9780142003411.

• Media related to John A. Hilger at Wikimedia Commons