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Pfc Hamilton enlisted on 11 March 1943 and received basic training at Camp Roberts, California He was transferred to guard duty and stationed at Fort Custer, Michigan and then Mexia, Texas. He requested a transfer to the infantry and received further training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi., before he was sent overseas in November 1944.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 6 April 1945 in Germany. When his platoon was pinned down by intense sniper fire as it attacked, Pfc Hamilton, second scout of the leading squad, sprang from his position of cover and moved aggressively toward the snipers' position, firing as he advanced. This brave action diverted the enemy's attention and drew their fire to him, enabling the platoon to rise and move into an attack which quickly secured the enemy's objective. Pfc Hamilton was fatally wounded during this engagement. Throughout the entire action his display of the outstanding qualities of courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Hamilton and the armed forces of the United States.

In his letter to the family, Capt Bishop, his compnay commander, said: "We hope it will be of consolation to you to know that he was highly respected both as a soldier and as a man by the officers and men of this company. He consistently displayed high standards of character, courage and devotion to duty in conspicuous meritorious achievement of assigned duties."