by William J. Fili 450th Bomb Group

A few weeks ago (August 1998) I received the latest copy of the 450th Bomb Group's newsletter "Cottontails." As a life member of the Cottontails I find this publication very meaningful in many ways. It always reminds me of the men I shared so many life threatening experiences with. In particular it reminds me of the man whom I was so proud to serve under - - admired all my life - - Major General John S. Mills

On the Cottontails cover page was a notice of the passing away of the first commanding officer of the 450th Bomb Group - - to us who served under him for such a short period of time in days and minutes - from our training base in Alamagordo, New Mexico - - to our ultimate deployment to combat via South American/African route to Europe - - to our first combat mission - - the first crew to be lost to enemy fire - - from Alamagordo to Regensburg to Ploiesti he will always be our Leader - - Our Colonel.

I was extremely disappointed at such a matter of fact notice of his passing. Not even a photograph of Colonel Mills was in this or any other plublication - - not even in the history book of the 450th Bomb Group - - nor was it acknowledged that he was our first Commanding Officer. I would like to share with all Americans my experiences and associations with Colonel Mills.

As a graduate of West Point he accepted the awesome responsibility of Leadership - - always putting the training, safety and health of his men first and foremost in his everyday life. Early in September of 1943 his air crews began arriving at the yet to be finished Alamagordo Army Air base. Flying "D" model liberators he wanted to get to know all of his men and began flying with as many crews as time allowed. I do know that, for some unknown reason, he took a liking to my crew and pilots Varvil and Bahti. When we left this training base Col. Mills selected our crew -- to fly with us -- in our brand new B-24 Liberator from the Ford Plant at Willow Run. When we finally took off from Tunis to our final destination, Manduria, Italy, Col. Mills wanted our crew on his left wing. Lucky us - - as it meant we would be the first to land and we found the only dry spot in the parking areas. That was December 20, 1943.

On Christmas Eve the Army sent a few cooks to our base to prepare what we called a sumptuous dinner. While in the chow line - - Officers and Enlisted men alike - - one tall fellow tried to buck the line. We all shouted for him to get in line. How embarrassed we were when he turned around - - it was Col. Mills. He promptly went to the rear of the line refusing our urging for him to go to the front.

Col. Mills was a prime example of West Point training. - - as a leader he was always in front of his air crews as the initial attacks on Germany from the south began. He had to suffer the agony of seeing so many of his young air crews give their lives in that air war. Eventually his superiors curtailed his combat flying.

Regensburg - - in fiery skies and fiercely fought air battles -- was the greatest loss to date for the 450th bomb group. Disheartened by the lack of fighter escort and the heavy loss of men and machines - - machines could be replaced - - Colonel mills could say nothing but to shed tears at such carnage. As he was standing with General Eaker I exited the de-briefing room and passed within two feet of him and could not help but to notice those moistened eyes and no doubt tears from our compassionate Commanding Officer.

Ploiesti - - April 5, 1944 the high road - - Col. Mills lead the 15th Air force on what would be another devastating waste of human life in this senseless war. And yes, we were once again on Colonel mills left wing as what seemed like the whole German Luftwaffe was attacking us headon. And once again some private tears on the checks of our C.O.

Yes, there are so many of us who do remember our Colonel Mills and this is but one small tribute to a man we all came to admire in our youth. A man who went through the agonizing suffering of most bomb group C.O.'s - - their torment was unparalleled in any lifetime - - their trauma went unnoticed because they could not share their feelings with anyone - - It was kept under wraps and in their hearts. And Yes, we all know that Colonel Mills was received with honor in God's domain to take his rightful place in the Halls at Valhalla.

Thank You - - Colonel Mills - - for being you. Bill Fili