Hollis Hills grew up in Pasadena, California. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) in June 1940 and became a pilot on June 22, 1941, with the R.C.A.F.’s 414 Squadron. Prior to Pearl Harbor, Hollis was transferred to Croydon (Greater London), England to continue to fly and train with the Royal Air Force. He was transferred to the U.S. Navy on November 8, 1942.

Hollis Hills grew up in Pasadena, California. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) in June 1940 and became a pilot on June 22, 1941, with the R.C.A.F.’s 414 Squadron. Prior to Pearl Harbor, Hollis was transferred to Croydon (Greater London), England to continue to fly and train with the Royal Air Force. He was transferred to the U.S. Navy on November 8, 1942, and returned to the United States via the Queen Mary the following month. Hollis did a one-year carrier-based tour in the Pacific Theater with VF-32, as well as with VF-150 and then VF-97 until World War II ended. He joined civilian life following the war (either honorably discharged or placed in reserves), and re-joined as a Lieutenant Commander in 1949. Hollis retired as a Commander for the United States Navy.

.35 Cubic Feet This is a two box collection, both boxes with measurements 12 ¼ x 10 ½ x 5 inches. The majority of this collection contains letters to and from Hollis Hills, Kenneth Hills, Mrs. Zelma S. Hills (mother), Linda, Pamela, Mickey, Bill Henry, and G. Clark. The letters range from 1926 to 1967. The collection also contains an assortment of news clips, I.D. and membership cards, certificates, booklets, and a few photographs. There are two items in the Oversized Materials Special Collection (OMSC_00001). One item is a Pacific Southwest Airlines Poster (Hills_2), and the other is a “La Torre” South Pasadena Junior High School newsletter (Hills_1).

The collection is open to research by appointment.