He was in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946 and became a first lieutenant upon graduation from the Army Judge Advocate Training Center.

[1][2] He was on the military commission for the prosecution of crimes that violated the Laws of War.

Hill received a recess appointment from President Harry S. Truman on October 21, 1949, to the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, to a new seat authorized by 63 Stat.

His service terminated on September 28, 1961, due to elevation to the Tenth Circuit.

[2] Hill was nominated by President John F. Kennedy on September 14, 1961, to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, to a new seat authorized by 75 Stat.