Albert Leopold Mills | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1854-05-07)May 7, 1854 Manhattan, New York, US |
| Died | September 18, 1916(1916-09-18) (aged 62) Washington, D.C., US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1879–1916 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Commands | Superintendent of the United States Military Academy President of the Army War College Chief of the Militia Bureau |
| Battles / wars | Spanish–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Signature | .png) |
Albert Leopold Mills (May 7, 1854 – September 18, 1916) was aUnited States Armymajor general who was a recipient of theMedal of Honor for valor in action on July 1, 1898, nearSantiago,Cuba. An 1879 graduate ofWest Point, he served in the Army until his death in 1916. Following his service inCuba, he was appointed superintendent of West Point, jumping in rank fromfirst lieutenant tocolonel. His final posting was as the chief of the Division of Militia Affairs, a precursor to theNational Guard Bureau.
Albert L. Mills was born inNew York City.[1] He was appointed to West Point, graduating with the class of 1879. He joined the1st United States Cavalry after graduation, serving on the American frontier, alternating between being a cavalry instructor and participating in the conflicts with the Plains Indians. In 1886, he was posted as an instructor at theCitadel.[2] Mills receive a promotion tofirst lieutenant in 1889.
After theSpanish–American War began in 1898, he was promoted to acaptain of volunteers, and served as assistant adjutant general of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. He received theMedal of Honor for his bravery at theBattle of San Juan Hill nearSantiago, Cuba, on July 1, 1898. Though shot through the head, and temporarily blinded, he continued to command his men. He was absent from duty until August 1898 while recovering from the effects of his wounds.[3]
"Distinguished gallantry in encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after being shot through the head and entirely without sight."[1]
After recovering from his wounds and returning to duty,PresidentWilliam McKinley appointed him as the superintendent at West Point, a posting that advanced him from his Regular Army rank of first lieutenant to the rank ofcolonel. He served as superintendent until August 1906, receiving a promotion tobrigadier general in January 1904. During his long term at West Point, he initiated numerous changes, including suppression of hazing, and the expansion of the size of the academy. After the academy, he served in thePhilippines and as president of theArmy War College at theWashington Barracks.[2] He later served as chief of the Division of Militia Affairs from 1912 to 1916, being promoted tomajor general in July of the latter year. General Mills was struck ill and died suddenly while serving as chief of the Militia Bureau, on September 18, 1916.[2][3] Mills is buried at theWest Point Cemetery at the United States Military Academy.
Mills married Ms. Alada Thurston Paddock ofBrooklyn, New York on November 15, 1883.[4]
This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of theUnited States Army Center of Military History.| Military offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Superintendents of the United States Military Academy 1898–1906 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Chief of the National Guard Bureau 1912 –- 1916 | Succeeded by George W. McIver (Acting) |
