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.

Link to the collection's Descriptive Finding Guide.