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PGR: Mission Complete: Gen. David “Tex” Hill — WWII Flying Tiger Pilot

Gen David Tex Hill

Just got home from a full day in San Antonio where I rode with the Patriot Guard Riders to honor the passing of Gen. David Lee “Tex” Hill.

What kind of man was Brig. Gen. Hill? Well, famed test pilot Chuck Yeager and actor John Wayne considered Brig. Gen. Hill a role model.

PGR in San Antonio

It was a long day, but a really good one.

Funeral of Gen Hill

Unlike so many of our missions where we are standing for a Soldier or Marine taken way too soon and way too young, Gen. Hill lived a full and meaningful life. Even his funeral seemed to be more a joyous coming together of those who knew and loved him rather than a time of mourning.

  • It was an honor to lead his procession to Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.
  • It was an honor to meet Mrs. Hill, his wife of 64 years.
  • It was an honor to meet so many other WWII veterans and other living members of the famed “Flying Tigers”.

Flying Tigers veterans

Flying Tigers veterans

  • It was an honor to have Gov. Rick Perry come over and shake hands with our PGR group and take a few moments to talk to us and thank us for what we do.

PGR and Gov. Perry

Today Gen. David Lee “Tex” Hill took his final flight. And the landing was perfect.

It was an honor to be a part of it.

_________

Several PGR members were interviewed by Kim Fischer of NBC local news channel WOAI. I haven’t found her report online yet, but I’ll link to it when I find it.

Kim Fischer of WOAI

UPDATE:

From My San Antonio, a great portrait of the passing of a legendary American hero:

John Alison, a deputy squadron commander under Hill in the famed Flying Tigers, said it was hard to believe his friend was gone. But his memories still linger of flying with Hill and of the lighthearted quips and jokes the young Texan would deliver while they were being fed and cared for by the Chinese.

“He was so staunchly American, it’s hard to accept that he’s gone. But he is,” said Alison, 95, of Washington, D.C.

Staunchly American. I love that phrase.

Posted by Robbie Cooper on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 | Trackback |

7 Responses to “PGR: Mission Complete: Gen. David “Tex” Hill — WWII Flying Tiger Pilot”

Sure glad y’all got to show your respect for this gentleman, and honor his life.

What a guy!

What a memorable experience. Proud of ya’ and for ya’.

Left by no2liberals on October 16th, 2007 at 11:34 pm

As Tex Hill’s grandson and an Air Force officer, I had the privilege of shaking hands with every one of the PGR who were lining the cemetery road with flags. Guys and gals, I can’t tell you how much your involvement meant to Mazie and the family. We’re tremendously honored that you’d take the time and effort to be a part of Tex’s homegoing. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for your service and thanks for what you did yesterday to honor Tex Hill. –Lt Col Reagan Schaupp, USAF

Left by Reagan Schaupp on October 17th, 2007 at 7:24 am

Lt. Col. Schaupp —

Sir, I remember you walking our ranks — I was impressed that not only did you stop and shake each member’s hand, but that you took your time in doing so, offering kind words and a personal word of thanks to each of us.

When I shook your hand, I didn’t realize at the time that Gen. Hill was your grandfather; I thought you were simply thanking us on behalf of the USAF. I would have told you how sorry I was for your loss, but how blessed you are to have had Tex as your grandfather.

I’m sure he was tremendously proud of you and your service to our nation. His legacy lives on through you.

Left by Robbie on October 17th, 2007 at 2:02 pm

Dang!

Reading the LC’s comment gave me an emotional moment, Robbie.

What a wonderful thing you and your buds did, in honoring Gen. Hill and his family, and what a cherished memory y’all have created for all that were there.
Thanks for letting us witness it, in a small way.

Gen. Hill had y’all on his six, and I’m sure he appreciated it.

Left by no2liberals on October 17th, 2007 at 6:28 pm

A video tribute to Gen. Hill, and the many brave young men and women that served our nation, defeated deadly enemies, and returned home to build a new world for us to enjoy.

Left by no2liberals on October 17th, 2007 at 10:48 pm

Respect

Left by Jacques on October 18th, 2007 at 3:28 am

I am proud to say I was a friend of “Tex”. I had many visits and telephone chats with him in the years prior to his departure. I attended his “Final Flight” in San Antonio. The first thing I noticed as I arrived the church was the PGR men and women with the American flags. I can assure you, knowing “Tex” as I did, he would have been most appreciative and honored by you being there. He was in fact a worrior. He also was a caring, loving, sensitive giant. A great American. As all of you that I saw that day are. God Bless America.

Left by ct wilson on October 13th, 2008 at 12:45 am

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