John Harold Mills

He grew up in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia until the age of 17 when he joined the United States Marine Corp.

Following basic training, he was attached to the 2d Marine Division in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He served in WWII. John reenlisted into the Infantry and was stationed at Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York, then transferred to sea duty on the U.S.S Manchester. Following 28 months of sea duty, he transferred to the Marine Barracks in Portsmouth, VA and eventually to the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. He was transferred to Korea and severely injured in “Frozen Chosin Few” where he spent two years in the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA. Following his recovery, John was transferred from Infantry into Engineering upon reenlistment. He was assigned to the Marine Barracks in Portsmouth, VA then transferred to Albany, GA to the Supply Center for engineering work. He transferred once again to Camp Pendleton, joining the 9th

Engineer Battalion, followed by 3 tours to Vietnam serving in the 7th and 3rd Engineering Battalions. After leaving Vietnam, he was transferred to Okinawa, to the 3rd FSR. John met and married his wife, Hatsue Shinzato in August 1969, at Naha. and adopted her daughter, Tomomi. They returned to U.S. soil in 1970 to Camp Pendleton for a one year assignment, then returned to Okinawa to Camp Smedley D. Butler.

Following 30 years of military service, they returned to Camp Pendleton for hisretirement. He worked for MWR at Camp Pendleton and again retired after 20 years, followed by part-time work at Carlsbad School District.

John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Hatsue Mills, 2 daughters, Tomomi Bennett and Victoria Bozart, 6 grandchildren, Hatsue, Josh, Bryanne, Ianna, Daniel, Rebecca, Virgie, Frankie, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren and a brother, Daryl Snyder. He is predeceased by both parents, sister, Duane Mills Sparks, brothers, Bobby and Lynn Snyder, and daughter Jessica.