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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Barber Craig Mills (ASN: 0-405108), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 771st Tank Battalion, 84th Infantry Division, in Germany. On 23 February 1945, Captain Mills directed his tanks in a bold flanking move which completely overran enemy positions, thus enabling infantry troops to take their objective. When his company was ambushed by enemy tanks and anti-tank emplacements on 2 March 1945, Captain Mills personally led the attack and disabled one hostile vehicle and a self-propelled gun with his tank. He then personally made a dangerous reconnaissance on foot and selected a route over which he extricated tanks of two of his platoons which had been cut off by the enemy. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Captain Mills reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    771st Tank Battalion

    Division:

    84th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 2, 1944 – January 27, 1945
    Headquarters, 84th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 30 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Barber C. Mills (ASN: 0-405108), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 771st Tank Battalion, attached to the 84th Infantry Division, in Germany and Belgium, 2 December 1944 to 27 January 1945. On 2 December 1944, when a town in Germany had held out for two days during an attack, Captain Mills personally led his tanks ahead of the infantry in a fierce assault on the town, delivering such devastating fire that enemy positions were completely overrun, approximately 200 Germans killed and an equal number captured. Later in Belgium, when the enemy had launched a strong offensive, Captain Mills, frequently exposing himself to enemy fire, made numerous personal reconnaissances to select advantageous tank positions from which to repel enemy attacks. The disdain for danger, superior performance of duty and aggressive action displayed by Captain Mills reflect high credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.