BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — In the continuation of the league’s efforts to honor both past athletes in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA)/Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC)/Northeast Water Polo Conference, the league highlights 2003 United States Naval Academy graduate Commander Nicholas “Nick” Hill.
The Director of Operations for Naval Special Warfare Group THREE, headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Hill enlisted in the Navy in 1998. A native of Long Beach, Calif., he graduated from the Naval Academy where he was captain of the water polo team and was commissioned an Ensign in May 2003.
While at Navy, he helped the Midshipmen to a 66-24 record from 2000-to-2002, including the 2000 CWPA Championship. He holds a unique position in the history of the Academy as he joins current Navy head coach Luis Nicolao as the only thre-time All-America selections in program history. A 2000, 2001 and 2002 Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Honorable Mention All-America honoree, he claimed recognition on the All-Southern Division Team and as the Southern Division Most Valuable Player in 2002.
Hill completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALtraining with Class 248 and has engaged in a career that includes:
- Planned and executed Special Operations in the AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and INDOPACOM
- His tours in the Navy include Assistant Platoon Commander at SEAL Team THREE, and Platoon Commander at SEAL Team SEVEN in San Diego, CA; Flag Aide to Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego, California; a second tour as Platoon Commander at SEAL Team SEVEN, the Defense Language Institute in Washington D.C (where he studied the French language), and Operations Officer at Naval Special Warfare Unit TEN in Stuttgart, Germany.
- Served as SEAL Delivery Vehicle Task Unit Commander and Executive Officer at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE in Pearl City, Hawaii.
His most recent assignment was in Yokosuka, Japan where he served as Special Operations Advisor to Commander, U.S.SEVENTH Fleet.Commander
The recipient of a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography from the Naval Academy and a Masters Degree in International Policy from Stanford University, his decorations include the Silver Star Medal (two awards), the Bronze Star Medal with valor (two awards), the Bronze Star Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards
Notable is the fact that of at least seven Navy SEALS who earned two Silver Stars in the Global War on Terrorism, he is the only one thus far identified by the Navy who received awards in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to receiving two Silver Stars, the second honor was bestowed as a Gold Star.
Silver Star Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Nicholas Stanley Hill, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Charlie Platoon Patrol Leader for Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-RAMADI in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 27 June 2006. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill led a joint, combined Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Army, and Iraqi element in a daytime presence patrol in south-central Ramadi. After clearing a house to gauge atmospherics from the locals, the element was ambushed from multiple directions by enemy fighters. An Iraqi soldier was hit and lay helplessly exposed as his fellow Iraqi soldiers retreated to the safety of the courtyard. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill organized suppressive fire and, despite enemy rounds impacting the street around him, fearlessly braved the gauntlet of enemy fire, reached the wounded Iraqi soldier and dragged him across the street under fire to safety. When another Iraqi soldier was wounded, he remained calm, called for reinforcements and expertly vectored them into his position. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill’s exceptional leadership, professionalism and courage under fire saved the life of one Iraqi soldier and prevented further casualties to his men. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions to the United States Naval Service.
Gold Star Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Nicholas Stanley Hill, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Charlie Platoon Patrol Leader for Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-RAMADI in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 27 June 2006. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill led a joint, combined Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Army, and Iraqi element in a daytime presence patrol in south-central Ramadi. After clearing a house to gauge atmospherics from the locals, the element was ambushed from multiple directions by enemy fighters. An Iraqi soldier was hit and lay helplessly exposed as his fellow Iraqi soldiers retreated to the safety of the courtyard. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill organized suppressive fire and, despite enemy rounds impacting the street around him, fearlessly braved the gauntlet of enemy fire, reached the wounded Iraqi soldier and dragged him across the street under fire to safety. When another Iraqi soldier was wounded, he remained calm, called for reinforcements and expertly vectored them into his position. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill’s exceptional leadership, professionalism and courage under fire saved the life of one Iraqi soldier and prevented further casualties to his men. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions to the United States Naval Service.
