Birth date: Feb 13, 1944 Death date: Jul 3, 2020
Harold Mills, 76, died Friday, July 3, 2020 at home. He was born February 13, 1944 in Dothan, Alabama to the late Kos Nobel Mills and Jewell Miller Mills. He worked for many years as a commercial painter with the International Uni Read Obituary
Google: Operation Starlite (note spelling).
Opening photo is helicopter background,
2 Marines, VC prisoners.
I doubt that Harold ever saw this photo. I’m a writer and I just found it last winter. The sweat soaked guy drinking from the canteen is your Corporal Harold Mills. The other guy with the .45 on his hip is me, Cpl. William Schwicker of Big Pine Key, Florida. We were rushed in to handle prisoners, hot off the battlefield (August, 1965) and were awaiting shotguns, thus no rifles, but I had Sgt. Powers’ .45.
It was really hot and humid and they were bringing more VC and bodies of some 50 Marines KIA. Starlite was the first USMC engagement of the Vietnam War — they never fought us again in a “set-piece” battle as we’d obliterated a battalion or two.
I was astonished to find this photo and memories came flooding back. Wish I could have shown it to my buddy “Mills” and heard his memories of that week. Harold, me, and a big black guy from Tracy CA, L/Cpl Earl Williams were a triumvirate— always together. I’m sorry for your loss — Harold was a great guy to know and a trusted buddy. You should treasure this photo, as I do. God Bless.
Harold, I am going to miss your big warm hug a lot. You are such amazing and funny man.
Li
To Pam Mills and family, LaBron and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers! We are send our deepest condolence for the lose of such an Amazing man! Harold funny and such a great man. I was just going through some pictures of The trips we made to Disney, when I was much younger. We love you all very much! Always, LaBron Taylor , Shawna Miller and families!!
To Pam and family: We are so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Please accept our condolences and prayers for you during this time as well as the days ahead. Greg & Lisa Mills, (Charles & Ruth Mills)
I have the fondest of memories, sitting with Harold during our annual family reunions. His sense of humor, sass, grit. and ultimately, his love for this family told me everything I needed to know about his character. He was a man of honor, the loved his country, he would do anything for those he loved and I know he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. From Marvin Vann and the rest of the Vann clan, we love you all and will miss Harold deeply.
