Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Robert Keith Hill, Australian Staff Corps: The Military Cross

Captain Hill has commanded the First Armoured Personnel Carrier Troop of the Prince of Wales’s Light Horse since the arrival of the unit in South Vietnam in June 1965.

In addition to supporting 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, to which the Troop is attached, Captain Hill's unit has participated in a number of operations under command of the American D16 Armour of 173 Airborne Brigade (Separate).

It was during one of these joint operations, on the night of 28th June 1965, that Captain Hill distinguished himself in a display of conspicuous gallantry.

While in a defensive position at the abandoned hamlet of Phouc Loc in War Zone D, an attempt to infiltrate Captain Hill's Troop perimeter was made at about 2200 hours.

Captain Hill rushed to the point of contact and assisted in repulsing the Viet Cong by throwing hand grenades.

During this action, he repeatedly exposed himself to fire and was wounded in the right side. Although in great pain, he refused to be evacuated and continued to direct the efforts of his men during the action and for the remainder of the night.

He was finally evacuated at approximately 0900 hours the next morning.

His bravery inspired those around him and was singularly instrumental in preventing the enemy from penetrating the tenuous position.

Captain Hill's actions on the night of 28th June 1965 are indicative of the service he has rendered since coming to South Vietnam and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. - ^{EIGHTH SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette - Friday, 3rd June 1966}