Joseph Westley Mills was born on August 12, 1921, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He served in the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, as a Second Lieutenant and Pilot of the P-47 #42-25842 during World War II.

2Lt Mills was Killed in Action on August 4, 1944, during a mission in the area east of Bremen, Germany. He helped to engage 75 plus hostile aircraft. Climbing to 38,000 ft. he dropped back approximately 300 yds. behind his element leader. When his element leader went to protect the flight leader from an ME 109, 2Lt Mills became separated. At 20,000 ft. when his element leader pulled out of a dive, he heard on the radio 'Green 4, Lt. Mills' position bailing out.' Almost immediately the element leader saw a chute open. 2Lt Mills was reported Missing in Action and after a year his status was changed to Killed in Action.

2Lt Mills is now buried in the Alto Reste Burial Park, Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.abmc.gov