March, 2012
My name is Clark Rickman clarkrickman@gmail.com. My grandfather was 2nd Marine Gunnery Sergeant Dave Hill, Jr. The Tarawa landing was his first day in the war! He was shot through the arm during the wading part of the landing and was left with partial use of that arm for the rest of his life. He is listed at http://tarawaontheweb.org/wia.htm
Sadly, my grandfather died of cancer in 1969, the year I was born. His son and my uncle, Ben Hill, carries the Purple Heart my grandfather received everywhere he goes to this day. Our family is very proud of his service, and the 2nd Marines, to our country.