Pearl Harbor Hero: Chief Boatswain Edwin Hill

On the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor became the target of a devastating surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Amid the chaos, fear, and destruction, countless acts of heroism unfolded as servicemen risked their lives to protect their comrades and ships. Among the heroes of that day was Chief Boatswain Edwin Hill, whose extraordinary bravery and selflessness earned him the Medal of Honor and a place in history.

Chief Boatswain Edwin Hill joined the U.S. Navy in 1912, dedicating nearly three decades of his life to service. By the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, Hill was stationed aboard the USS Nevada (BB-36). Known for his experience and leadership, Hill was a trusted figure among his fellow sailors. On December 7, his courage and quick thinking saved countless lives, even as he sacrificed his own.

The attack began early that Sunday morning when waves of Japanese aircraft descended upon the harbor. Their mission was to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet by targeting key battleships moored at Battleship Row, along the southeastern side of Ford Island. The USS Nevada, though heavily targeted, had a critical advantage: she was not trapped by another ship moored alongside, giving her a chance to maneuver.

As bombs and torpedoes rained down, Nevada’s crew scrambled to defend their ship. Early in the attack, a Type 91 torpedo struck Nevada near frame 41. Although the torpedo bulkhead held, water leaked through the joints, flooding compartments on the port side. Despite the damage, Nevada’s crew attempted to steer her out of the harbor to avoid further destruction. However, the ship remained tied to her mooring, unable to move freely.

Understanding the urgency of the situation, Edwin Hill took matters into his own hands. With the USS Nevada under heavy fire, Hill jumped overboard into the harbor’s murky, oil-filled waters, swimming toward the dock. Braving enemy strafing fire and the chaos surrounding him, Hill reached the mooring lines and successfully released the battleship. This daring act provided Nevada with the freedom to attempt an escape.

Hill’s heroism didn’t end there. After untying the mooring lines, he dove back into the water and climbed aboard Nevada once again. Fully aware of the dangers, Hill resumed his duties, directing less-experienced sailors to take cover behind the ship’s gun turrets. His calm leadership under fire helped stabilize the crew during the relentless attack.

With its mooring lines released, Nevada began moving toward the harbor entrance. However, the battleship became a prime target for Japanese bombers, who recognized her symbolic value as the only major ship attempting to escape. Over the course of the attack, Nevada sustained multiple hits, including five bomb strikes. One of these strikes caused critical damage to the ship’s bow.

During the second wave of the attack, Hill was working to drop the anchor to prevent Nevada from drifting further into the harbor. At this moment, tragedy struck. A bomb hit the bow of the ship, killing Hill. Though he perished, his efforts ensured that Nevada could be grounded rather than sunk, preventing her from blocking the harbor entrance—a crucial factor in keeping the channel open for future naval operations.

Hill’s body was later recovered from the damaged Nevada. While the official Medal of Honor citation states he was killed by the bomb that struck the bow, bullet wounds found on his body suggest he may have been hit by strafing fire from enemy planes. Regardless of the exact cause, Hill’s actions epitomized selfless courage and sacrifice.

For his heroism, Chief Boatswain Edwin Hill was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States. His official citation commends his “distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism, and utter disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii.”

Today, Edwin Hill is remembered as one of the many heroes who rose to the occasion during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His actions exemplify the bravery and dedication of the men who served that day, turning the tide of history through their sacrifices.

The story of Chief Boatswain Edwin Hill is a reminder that true heroism often arises in the most harrowing circumstances. His quick thinking, leadership, and willingness to put himself in mortal danger saved lives and allowed the USS Nevada to survive one of the darkest days in American history.