More detail on this person: Russ passed away
November 13 in Reno after a brief illness. He was
83.
Born March 10, 1930 to Russell and Grace Mills in
Reno NV., he graduated from Reno High School,
attended University of Nevada in Reno and
completed his education at the University of
Nebraska with a degree in Military Science.
Russ served in the Nevada Air National Guard as a
P-51 Mustang mechanic and crew chief before
joining the United States Air Force. He earned his
pilot wings and officers commission in 1953 and
was assigned to the 40th Fighter Interceptor
Squadron. He later served in Japan, Italy, Spain
and Air Force bases in the United States.
During his career, Russ flew the F-80, F-86F,
F-86D and the F-100A in addition to other Air
Force aircraft. During a brief stint he flew the
T-39 in which he shuttled U.S. Sen. Barry
Goldwater and other high ranking officials.
On October 13, 1957 the then 1st Lt. Russell Mills
was scrambled to an aerial assist when a T-33
pilot became unconscious in flight He then aided
in instructing the rear seat untrained aircraft
observer in the plane back to Yokota Air Base in
Japan in full darkness to a safe landing. For
this, Russ was awarded the USAF's Distinguished
Flying Cross.
In 1967 the USAF gave Russ the opportunity to fly
helicopters and after training was sent to
Vietnam. There he flew with the 37th ARRS Air
Rescue Squadron, "Jolly Green Giants," piloting
the large Sikorsky HH-3E.
Following assignment at Forbes AFB in Topeka,
Kansas, Russ retired from the service in 1972. A
western history buff and lifelong artist, he also
enjoyed writing western fiction.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Mills and son Ken
Mills and several cousins. By his request no
services will be held.
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Dec. 1, 2013
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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