Hall of Fame
Hometown: Hartley, Iowa
Fred E. Hild was nominated by Coe College in 1958 for Sports Illustrated magazine's Silver Anniversary All-American Career Award. In addition to athletic achievement, those nominated from the Class of 1934 were chosen for distinguished professional careers and national and community service.
Fred Hild played football for three years and was All-Midwest Conference halfback. He starred at both halfback and defensive safety although his top weight on a 5' 7" frame was 145 pounds. However, there was more to Fred Hild than what the eye could see - determination, dedication, physical conditioning, concentration, common sense, quickness, and speed. He also used this speed as a sprinter on the Coe track team where he earned All-Conference and All-State honors.
One of the big games during Fred Hild's career was against Army and its squad of 90 players. He was selected on Army's all-opponent team and the coaches tried to recruit him for West Point. They failed in their effort, but the military did succeed.
In 1939, Fred Hild joined the United States Air Force. He graduated from the Air Force Fighter Command and Tactical Command Schools and was considered one of the outstanding young Air Force officers chosen to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff school. He was promoted to Colonel with less than nine years service.
After a military career covering World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korea, and part of Vietnam, he retired from the military. He returned to higher education, receiving the Master of Business Education degree from George Washington University. He held the position of chairman of the business and public safety department at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida.
