James Henry Mills
James Henry Mills | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 2, 1923 Fort Meade, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | November 11, 1973 (aged 50) Gainesville, Florida, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Oak Hill Burial Park Cemetery, Lakeland, Florida |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 15th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
James Henry Mills (May 2, 1923 – November 11, 1973) was an American Medal of Honor recipient. He was the only Polk County, Florida native to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He joined the Army from his birth city in September 1943. Private Mills earned the Medal of Honor in 1944 for demonstrating "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." Mills actions allowed his platoon to take its objective without casualties.
Mills died at the hands of a thief posing as a stranded motorist, whom Mills had stopped to assist, near Gainesville, Florida on November 11, 1973. He was laid to rest at Oak Hill Burial Park Cemetery in Lakeland, Florida.