Fred Hill

Fred Hill

Distinguished Alumni Award

Fred Hill, of La Grande, is a World War II veteran, noted photographer, historian and devoted 澳门金沙娱乐城app supporter. 2010年，他将自己收集的二战照片全部捐赠给皮尔斯图书馆，使1000多张历史底片得以数字化，并通过可搜索的在线档案向公众开放。

Hill’s photographs have appeared in 14 different books including his self-published title “Darkroom Soldier.” He grew up in Elgin, studied photography under Minor White and also attended 澳门金沙娱乐城app. In 1940 he left college to serve as a sergeant and photo lab chief with the 17th Tactical Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fifth Air Force. From 1943-45, he documented life behind the scenes in the South Pacific Theater.

After the war, Hill enrolled at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco where he studied with renowned landscape photographer, Ansel Adams. At the conclusion of a successful 39-year career as a commercial photographer, he returned to Union County and continues to do freelance work. This year Hill and several other original members of the Oregon Air National Guard were honored at the organization’s 70th anniversary celebration.