USS Hill (DE-141)

USS Hill (DE-141) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She served in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and provided destroyer escort protection against submarine and air attack for Navy vessels and convoys.

She was named in honor of Edwin J. Hill, Chief Boatswain Mate who lost his life for his brave actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, for which he was posthumously awarded the Navy Medal of Honor.

Hill (DE-141) was launched 28 February 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas, sponsored by Mrs. Edward Hill, widow of Chief Boatswain Hill; and commissioned there 16 August 1943, Lt. Comdr. G. R. Keating in command.

World War II Atlantic Ocean Operations
After shakedown out of Bermuda, Hill tested new torpedo explosives and engaged in training along the New England coast. Departing Hampton Roads 5 December, Hill escorted a convoy to Casablanca via Ponta del Gada, Azores, and returned to the States 18 January 1944. During the next year the destroyer escort made four more transatlantic voyages to the North African coast as Allied forces pushed up the Italian peninsula and began their assault on southern France. On her fourth voyage, Hill performed antisubmarine patrol at Bahia, Brazil, and Cape Town, South Africa.

Transfer to Pacific Ocean Operations
Following operations in the Caribbean February-March 1945, Hill proceeded to Argentia, Newfoundland, 3 April to serve as convoy screen and plane guard for escort carrier USS Mission Bay (CVE-59). After repairs at New York she participated in training exercises until sailing for the Caribbean 2 July. Two weeks later Hill sailed for the Pacific via the Panama Canal Zone. En route to Hawaii, Hill received word of Japanese capitulation and, after putting in at Pearl Harbor sailed for home again.

Post-War Decommissioning
Hill reached Green Cove Springs, Florida, via San Pedro, California, the Panama Canal, and Charleston, South Carolina, 27 October 1945. She decommissioned and was placed in reserve there 7 June 1946. She was struck from the Navy list on 1 October 1972 and sold 18 January 1974 and scrapped.