Hilston T. Kilcollins was born on October 15, 1916 in Westfield, Maine. He enlisted in the U. S. Army as a Field Artillery Sergeant on February 24, 1941 at the Presque Isle Army Air Field in Maine. He became known as the Nazi Killer for his accurate shooting of over seventeen men, and his bravery in battles throughout Italy was publicized in numerous newspaper articles. He received several honors, most notably for valor under fire at the battle of Castle Nuevo (September 25, 1943.) He received the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star of Gallantry, and was eventually promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.