William O. Mills
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
William O. Mills of Ely, Minnesota entered the Army on April 13, 1943.
He was with Battery B in the 396th Field Artillery Battalion, 16th Armored Division, 3rd Army in the European Theater.
"Took part in the longest, fastest motorized march of the war going from France through Germany and liberating Czechoslovakia, taking German prisoners and liberating Pilsen. After the war I was transferred to Headquarters Company, 7th Field Artillery, Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division where I made First Sergeant. I was transferred to division headquarters where I played football for the Big Red One. Discharged Apr. 9, 1946.
"I enlisted in Company B, 982nd Engineer Construction Battalion, Army Reserve, headquartered in Ely, Minnesota. As I was eligible, I passed the written and oral exams for a commission. This was done to fill out our required number of officers. We were called into active service at Fort Leonard Wood, Camp Haven and Camp Carson. I was discharged 1st Lieutenant having served on battalion staff."
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 208.
