Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Lee
George
Mills
POW (WWII)

Home:

Keyser

, 

West Virginia

Lee Mills was a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Finch (AM-9), serving in the Philippine Islands. After the ship was severely damaged on April 9, 1942, and subsequently scuttled to prevent the vessel from falling into enemy hands, he and his surviving comrades joined the ground forces in defense of Bataan and Corregidor. He was subsequently captured and interned as a Prisoner of War.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – February 5, 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Warrant Officer Lee George Mills (NSN: 84472), United States Navy, a former crewman of the U.S.S. FINCH (AM-9), was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his recovery by U.S. Forces which liberated the Bilibid Prison Camp on 5 February 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Gunner

    Division:

    U.S.S. Finch (AM-9)

    Action Date:

    April 9, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 352 (July 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Gunner Lee George Mills (NSN: 84472), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy aboard the U.S.S. FINCH (AM-9) on Bataan and Cavite shores of Manila Bay on 9 April 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.