James L. Mills

TECHNICIAN FOURTH CLASS JAMES L. MILLS was the son of James and Anna Mills. 10 years old at the time of the April 4, 1930 Federal census, he was the first child born in Pennsylvania, the first if at least 6 Mils children. The family had moved to New Jersey by 1929, and by April of 1930 had owned a home on the White Horse Pike at Maiden Lane in Somerdale NJ. At that time the elder Mills kept a general store. By the time the census was taken, the Mills family included James, Thomas, Anna, John, Edward, and Bernice. 

According to the Camden Courier-Post July 27, 1945 edition, James L. Mills graduated from Camden High School, and had married Rose M. Cavellero. He apparently also had lived for some time in Pine Hill NJ, as he is remembered on the war memorial located there. He was inducted into the United States Army in August of 1942, and served with the 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division.

Sergeant James L. Mills died of wounds received in combat on April 18, 1945. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He was survived by his mother, and siblings. Brothers John and Thomas also served in the armed forces during World War II. 

A former Camden army first lieutenant and relatives of nine deceased war heroes received Army awards last night in the city hall commission chamber.

Presentation of medals was made by Capt. Conger Brown, of the Fifth district, Second Service Command.

This was the first large group public presentation of Army decorations here. Leaders of three county veterans organizations joined families of war heroes and honorably discharged and furloughed service personnel at a ceremony sponsored by the Camden County Executive Committee of the American Legion.

Lauded by Brunner

Mayor Brunner lauded the bravery and heroism of those awarded the medals before an audience of 300 persons. He stressed hopes that “there will be no more wars." ,

Alfred W. Nelson, Jr., of Runnemede, recently discharged after serving with the Third Infantry as first lieutenant, received an Oak leaf Cluster as a second award of the Silver Star.

Posthumous awards were received by: ..

Mrs. Harriet B. Woolcock, 80 East Main Street, Marlton, widow of 1st Lt. Daniel B. Woolcock, Jr., infantry, Bronze. Star Medal.

Mrs. Sarah E. Wright, Bells Lake; RFD 2, Sewell, widow of Pvt. Wesley Wright, 83d Infantry, Bronze Star Medal.

Mrs. Mamie Barnes, Church Street, Medford, mother of Pfc. Elmer E. Barnes, 32d Infantry, Silver Star Medal.

Mrs. Margaret Smerhovsky, 348 Atlantic Avenue, Camden, mother of T/Sgt. William B. Smerhovsky, 100th Infantry, Silver Star,

Others Honored

Nicholas Rossi, 347 Liberty Street, Camden, father of Pfc. Rosso J. Rossi, Corps of Engineers, Silver Star.

Mrs. Anna T. Lee, 735 Spruce Street, Camden, mother of PFC Robert E. Lee, 1st Infantry, who was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star.

Mrs. Jean M. Galiazzi, 16 South Thirty-third street, Camden, widow of S/Sgt. Joseph Galiazzi, 100th Infantry, Silver Star ..

Mrs. Rose W. Mills. Pine Hill, widow of T/4 James L. Mills, medical unit, 88th Infantry, Bronze Star.

A Bronze Star was sent to Mrs. Anna G. Wilkie, 631 Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City, widow of T/5 James W. Wilkie, 102nd Infantry..