Albert Leopold Mills

Albert Leopold Mills (May 7, 1854 – September 18, 1916) was a United States Army major general who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in action on July 1, 1898, near Santiago, Cuba. An 1879 graduate of West Point, he served in the Army until his death in 1916. Following his service in Cuba, he was appointed superintendent of West Point, jumping in rank from first lieutenant to colonel. His final posting was as the chief of the Division of Militia Affairs, a precursor to the National Guard Bureau.

Early life and Spanish–American War Albert L. Mills was born in New York City. He was appointed to West Point, graduating with the class of 1879. He joined the 1st 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 the Citadel. Mills receive a promotion to first lieutenant in 1889.

After the Spanish–American War began in 1898, he was promoted to a captain of volunteers, and served as assistant adjutant general of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. He received the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of San Juan Hill near Santiago, 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.

Medal of Honor citation "Distinguished gallantry in encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after being shot through the head and entirely without sight." They had two children, army officer Chester P. Mills and Gertrude W. Mills, the wife of army officer Emil P. Laurson. In 1925, Alada Paddock Mills married Brigadier General Samuel W. Miller, who had been a West Point classmate of Albert Mills.