Fallen Heroes of Fairview

First Lieutenant John Edwin Hill

United States Army

Vietnam War

Killed in Action: April 7, 1970

Lt John “Johnny” Hill was born and raised in Buchanan. He graduated from James River High School in 1964 where he was voted “Best All Around.” As a student at Virginia Tech, Hill was a member of the Corps of Cadets and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1968. After completing Infantry Officer Basic Training and Basic Airborne School, he graduated from the Army Ranger Course in Fort Benning, GA in 1969. In February of 1970 he was assigned to the 1st Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (The Regulars) where he served as an Airborne Qualified Infantry Unit Commander. On April 7, 1970, Army Ranger Hill led his platoon in an assault on a wooded area occupied by a number of North Vietnamese Army in the Tay Ninh Province of South Vietnam. As they entered the woods, the point man, SP4 Paulsen, was shot by an NVA soldier hidden in a concealed bunker. When Lt Hill saw that Paulsen was still alive, he attempted to pull him to safety. The sniper then shot Lt Hill who was unable to take cover. Sgt. Jojola attempted to pull Hill free but in the process exposed them to the sniper who opened up with a fill clip of AK-47 killing both Lt Hill and Sgt Jojola. Second Platoon opened fire on the sniper’s position, killing him. The following day, 2nd Platoon returned and recovered the bodies of Lt Hill and Sgt Jojola. Lt Hill was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Officer David W. Rickman

Roanoke City Police Department

End of Watch: Saturday, April 12, 1986

Officer David W. Rickman was a 1981 graduate of James River High School. After graduation, Officer Rickman joined the US Army serving as a Paratrooper and Military Police Officer in the 82nd MP Company, Airborne. He achieved the rank of Corporal prior to his honorable discharge in 1985. After leaving the Army, Officer Rickman attended the Police Academy and joined the Roanoke City Police Department. He had been with the Police Department for less than one year when he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call on April 12, 1986. As the officers were in the process of arresting the female subject’s ex-boyfriend, she came to the door with a handgun. The gun discharged striking Officer Rickman’s left arm and entering his chest through an opening in his vest. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. Officer Rickman was 23 years old.