According to Y.G. “Hap” Hilsman, serving his country and being a Yellow Jacket are two of the most treasured accomplishments of his life.

A native of Albany, Georgia, and driven by the belief that “a man could get ahead with a good education,” Hap studied engineering at Tech, where he joined the Naval ROTC. In 1945 he was deployed aboard the U.S.S. Astoria in the Pacific theater during the waning months of World War II. After his military service, Hap enjoyed a successful career in the textile industry. He has remained fiercely loyal to Georgia Tech, and he’s proud to be among three generations in his family to call themselves Yellow Jackets.

After battling a serious illness, today Hap is in hospice care. He was recently honored in a special ceremony by Veteran’s Last Patrol, a nonprofit organization that provides care and support to America’s veterans in their final days.

Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera sent Hap some white and gold gear along with a special thanks commending his service. “It meant so much to my dad,” says Hap’s daughter, Ginny. “It was such a good day for him to feel special and important again."

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