Mary Lou Mills was born on July 13th, 1917, in Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas. She was the daughter of William Patrick Hayes and Louise Jacobs. Also known as Mary Louise Hayes, she eventually completed a full four years of college, a notable achievement for women of her time. Before enlisting, Mary lived in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, and worked as a salesperson, working a full 48-hour workweek.  

On August 8th, 1943, Mary enlisted in the U.S. Army from her home state of Kansas. She served as a Sergeant in a position of responsibility and leadership within her unit. She was stationed in Kansas during her service and was discharged on December 8th, 1945, after more than two years of active duty. Following her military service, Mary settled in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, where she transitioned to civilian life as a housewife. She married James Edward Mills in Illinois, and together they raised three children. 

Mary Lou Mills passed away on October 5th, 1970, in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 54. Mary’s story is representative of the many women who balanced education, work, service, and family during one of America’s most defining eras.  

This biography was researched and written by students as part of the Digital Veterans Legacy Project at Loyola Marymount University, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration.   

MARY LOU MILLS

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