About Inductee

In this, our town, Huntsville, Alabama, no amount of awards and honors speak with more meaning to the quality of the man than the first two mentioned in Hiram Quillin Jr's resume given to the Hall. 1937 - Football Letter - Huntsville High - Given by Milton Frank. 1943 - Presidential Unit Citation - Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal 1st Marine Division - Reinforced - Given by FDR. Hiram was molded by the experiences put forth on the gridiron. He was taught by a Master Teacher, Coach Milton Frank. Finally, to be tested the trial by fire that was Guadalcanal. Hiram Quillin came through it all as a model Patriot to be looked up to by all. Hiram was born in Nettleton, Mississippi on September 15, 1918. He moved to Madison County at the age of 14, in 1932. His schooling continued at Huntsville High (class of '38) and then to COHK (College of Hard Knocks - U.S.M.C. - WWII). Mr Quillin returned to Huntsville after the war and started his business career. He owned a service station, worked for Standard Oil, and owned and operated a produce company. Hiram is now retired. In 1945 Hiram served with the Marine Detachment on the battleship South Dakota. The South Dakota had the honor of firing the first salvo at the Japanese Homeland from a surface vessel. Hiram states, "It was a great honor to know that I had taken part in the war from Guadalcanal to Tokyo." Hiram had a big part in bringing professional baseball to Huntsville with the arrival of the Huntsville Stars. He personally raised the funds to put the sign up for Joe Davis Stadium after it was clear that the City Council would not do it. Mayor Sieve, The Hall of Fame has just learned about the publication of Hiram's new book which is now at press and to be in area book stores late May of 2000. Hirams book titled "Guadalcanal to Tokyo," relates to his life in the United States Marine Corps during WWII 1942-1945.