Written by his sister:
"Cornelius P. Mills, Jr. was an F-86A SabreJet Pilot for the United States Air Force during the infancy of jet fighter history. He was my brother, though I never knew him because he took his last flight four years before my birth. His contribution to the history of flight and to SabreJet history isn't remembered individually, except to those who knew him as a friend and loved him as a son and brother. I was born in the majestic shadow of his untimely death and grew up with his legacy. It is with great love and reverence that I wish to honor his memory by having his name included on the Wall of Honor in the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport, in Chantilly, Virginia.
"CP" as he was known to friends ("Paul, Jr." to his parents and nine-year-old brother) was born on April 10, 1928, and died in a SabreJet training accident on October 18, 1950. He was twenty-two years old, a newly-minted engineer from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and was living his dream of flying for his country in the recently created United States Air Force. Shortly after flight school at Nellis Air Force Base, he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, in defense of the Nation's Capital during the Korean Conflict. One of his squadron mates at Andrews, 2nd Lt. Alonzo J. Walter, Jr., who went on to a distinguished career of thirty years and retired a Brigadier General in the USAF, remembered "CP" fifty-five years later:
Having known your brother for a few months at Andrews AFB, MD, I was impressed that he was a dedicated and competent fighter pilot. He chose this profession because he wanted to serve his nation in some important way, and flying fighters was an exciting and rewarding answer to his quest. He was well aware of the dangers associated with his chosen work, both in peacetime and war, but decided that if he did his best, he could control his destiny as much as in any line of work... In my opinion, CP. Mills would have gone far in the U.S. Air Force. His death was a loss to our nation as well as to those who loved him.
On the personal side, Paul, Jr.'s memory was alive and well with his parents to the end. His last portrait, an Air Force photo, was in a place of honor on their dining room buffet, always with fresh flowers behind it. His father, C. P. Mills, Sr., died in 1985 and his mother, Gertrude Nicholas Mills, died in 1995. While they lived successful, long and healthy lives, I'm sure he was in their last thoughts.. .and I, through them, "knew" him and honor him today.
Skipping back in time to October 26, 1950: One of CP's college friends, Miss Jane Marie Surface, came home from his funeral and wrote a precious letter to my parents, which I found among their belongings after their passing...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mills,
The funeral service today was truly lovely. How right you were Mrs. Mills when you said, "Paul had a wealth of friends."
On the last date I had with Paul, I was reciting some of the poems I had written and Paul asked me if I would write one for him. I promised him that I would.
So, when I arrived home today, I took a walk through the woods and wrote the enclosed poem in memory of Paul. I thought perhaps you all would like to have a copy of it.
With my love, Jane Surface
In Memory of Paul
That last night when we were together,
I made you a promise Paul. Never realizing what was predicted,
To very soon befall.
I said that I would love to write,
A poem just for you. Including in it the things that you,
Always wanted me to
One thing, the joy you felt in flying,
I was to write about. Of this you and I both knew,
There could be no doubt.
You spoke of things I've never seen,
Or ever hope to see Above the clouds, the beauty there,
You alone held the key.
Your eyes would sparkle bright and clear,
When you spoke of your flights in the sky.
And you told me no one could really understand, Unless they too loved to fly.
You asked me often, if you talked to much
About it, and was I bored. But I would say no and beg you please,
To go on and tell me more.
Your life here is now completed,
And you've journeyed far away.
To a place that each of us will know, When it comes our day.
I know that in that place far away,
Where joys will never cease. You who loved life, accept death,
In its eternal peace.
And now that your last earthly flight is over,
We left behind only can give Our humblest prayers that we will be worthy
Of your life you gave, that we might live."
CP (or Paul Jr.) is listed on the Wall of Honor at the Udvar Hazy Museum:
Wall of Honor Location:
Foil: 11 Panel: 1 Column: 2 Line: 36
Honored by:
Ms. Paulette M. Gore
"Cornelius P. Mills, Jr. was an F-86A SabreJet Pilot for the United States Air Force during the infancy of jet fighter history. He was my brother, though I never knew him because he took his last flight four years before my birth. His contribution to the history of flight and to SabreJet history isn't remembered individually, except to those who knew him as a friend and loved him as a son and brother. I was born in the majestic shadow of his untimely death and grew up with his legacy. It is with great love and reverence that I wish to honor his memory by having his name included on the Wall of Honor in the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport, in Chantilly, Virginia.
"CP" as he was known to friends ("Paul, Jr." to his parents and nine-year-old brother) was born on April 10, 1928, and died in a SabreJet training accident on October 18, 1950. He was twenty-two years old, a newly-minted engineer from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and was living his dream of flying for his country in the recently created United States Air Force. Shortly after flight school at Nellis Air Force Base, he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, in defense of the Nation's Capital during the Korean Conflict. One of his squadron mates at Andrews, 2nd Lt. Alonzo J. Walter, Jr., who went on to a distinguished career of thirty years and retired a Brigadier General in the USAF, remembered "CP" fifty-five years later:
Having known your brother for a few months at Andrews AFB, MD, I was impressed that he was a dedicated and competent fighter pilot. He chose this profession because he wanted to serve his nation in some important way, and flying fighters was an exciting and rewarding answer to his quest. He was well aware of the dangers associated with his chosen work, both in peacetime and war, but decided that if he did his best, he could control his destiny as much as in any line of work... In my opinion, CP. Mills would have gone far in the U.S. Air Force. His death was a loss to our nation as well as to those who loved him.
On the personal side, Paul, Jr.'s memory was alive and well with his parents to the end. His last portrait, an Air Force photo, was in a place of honor on their dining room buffet, always with fresh flowers behind it. His father, C. P. Mills, Sr., died in 1985 and his mother, Gertrude Nicholas Mills, died in 1995. While they lived successful, long and healthy lives, I'm sure he was in their last thoughts.. .and I, through them, "knew" him and honor him today.
Skipping back in time to October 26, 1950: One of CP's college friends, Miss Jane Marie Surface, came home from his funeral and wrote a precious letter to my parents, which I found among their belongings after their passing...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mills,
The funeral service today was truly lovely. How right you were Mrs. Mills when you said, "Paul had a wealth of friends."
On the last date I had with Paul, I was reciting some of the poems I had written and Paul asked me if I would write one for him. I promised him that I would.
So, when I arrived home today, I took a walk through the woods and wrote the enclosed poem in memory of Paul. I thought perhaps you all would like to have a copy of it.
With my love, Jane Surface
In Memory of Paul
That last night when we were together,
I made you a promise Paul. Never realizing what was predicted,
To very soon befall.
I said that I would love to write,
A poem just for you. Including in it the things that you,
Always wanted me to
One thing, the joy you felt in flying,
I was to write about. Of this you and I both knew,
There could be no doubt.
You spoke of things I've never seen,
Or ever hope to see Above the clouds, the beauty there,
You alone held the key.
Your eyes would sparkle bright and clear,
When you spoke of your flights in the sky.
And you told me no one could really understand, Unless they too loved to fly.
You asked me often, if you talked to much
About it, and was I bored. But I would say no and beg you please,
To go on and tell me more.
Your life here is now completed,
And you've journeyed far away.
To a place that each of us will know, When it comes our day.
I know that in that place far away,
Where joys will never cease. You who loved life, accept death,
In its eternal peace.
And now that your last earthly flight is over,
We left behind only can give Our humblest prayers that we will be worthy
Of your life you gave, that we might live."
CP (or Paul Jr.) is listed on the Wall of Honor at the Udvar Hazy Museum:
Wall of Honor Location:
Foil: 11 Panel: 1 Column: 2 Line: 36
Honored by:
Ms. Paulette M. Gore
Written by his sister:
"Cornelius P. Mills, Jr. was an F-86A SabreJet Pilot for the United States Air Force during the infancy of jet fighter history. He was my brother, though I never knew him because he took his last flight four years before my birth. His contribution to the history of flight and to SabreJet history isn't remembered individually, except to those who knew him as a friend and loved him as a son and brother. I was born in the majestic shadow of his untimely death and grew up with his legacy. It is with great love and reverence that I wish to honor his memory by having his name included on the Wall of Honor in the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport, in Chantilly, Virginia.
"CP" as he was known to friends ("Paul, Jr." to his parents and nine-year-old brother) was born on April 10, 1928, and died in a SabreJet training accident on October 18, 1950. He was twenty-two years old, a newly-minted engineer from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and was living his dream of flying for his country in the recently created United States Air Force. Shortly after flight school at Nellis Air Force Base, he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, in defense of the Nation's Capital during the Korean Conflict. One of his squadron mates at Andrews, 2nd Lt. Alonzo J. Walter, Jr., who went on to a distinguished career of thirty years and retired a Brigadier General in the USAF, remembered "CP" fifty-five years later:
Having known your brother for a few months at Andrews AFB, MD, I was impressed that he was a dedicated and competent fighter pilot. He chose this profession because he wanted to serve his nation in some important way, and flying fighters was an exciting and rewarding answer to his quest. He was well aware of the dangers associated with his chosen work, both in peacetime and war, but decided that if he did his best, he could control his destiny as much as in any line of work... In my opinion, CP. Mills would have gone far in the U.S. Air Force. His death was a loss to our nation as well as to those who loved him.
On the personal side, Paul, Jr.'s memory was alive and well with his parents to the end. His last portrait, an Air Force photo, was in a place of honor on their dining room buffet, always with fresh flowers behind it. His father, C. P. Mills, Sr., died in 1985 and his mother, Gertrude Nicholas Mills, died in 1995. While they lived successful, long and healthy lives, I'm sure he was in their last thoughts.. .and I, through them, "knew" him and honor him today.
Skipping back in time to October 26, 1950: One of CP's college friends, Miss Jane Marie Surface, came home from his funeral and wrote a precious letter to my parents, which I found among their belongings after their passing...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mills,
The funeral service today was truly lovely. How right you were Mrs. Mills when you said, "Paul had a wealth of friends."
On the last date I had with Paul, I was reciting some of the poems I had written and Paul asked me if I would write one for him. I promised him that I would.
So, when I arrived home today, I took a walk through the woods and wrote the enclosed poem in memory of Paul. I thought perhaps you all would like to have a copy of it.
With my love, Jane Surface
In Memory of Paul
That last night when we were together,
I made you a promise Paul. Never realizing what was predicted,
To very soon befall.
I said that I would love to write,
A poem just for you. Including in it the things that you,
Always wanted me to
One thing, the joy you felt in flying,
I was to write about. Of this you and I both knew,
There could be no doubt.
You spoke of things I've never seen,
Or ever hope to see Above the clouds, the beauty there,
You alone held the key.
Your eyes would sparkle bright and clear,
When you spoke of your flights in the sky.
And you told me no one could really understand, Unless they too loved to fly.
You asked me often, if you talked to much
About it, and was I bored. But I would say no and beg you please,
To go on and tell me more.
Your life here is now completed,
And you've journeyed far away.
To a place that each of us will know, When it comes our day.
I know that in that place far away,
Where joys will never cease. You who loved life, accept death,
In its eternal peace.
And now that your last earthly flight is over,
We left behind only can give Our humblest prayers that we will be worthy
Of your life you gave, that we might live."
CP (or Paul Jr.) is listed on the Wall of Honor at the Udvar Hazy Museum:
Wall of Honor Location:
Foil: 11 Panel: 1 Column: 2 Line: 36
Honored by:
Ms. Paulette M. Gore
"Cornelius P. Mills, Jr. was an F-86A SabreJet Pilot for the United States Air Force during the infancy of jet fighter history. He was my brother, though I never knew him because he took his last flight four years before my birth. His contribution to the history of flight and to SabreJet history isn't remembered individually, except to those who knew him as a friend and loved him as a son and brother. I was born in the majestic shadow of his untimely death and grew up with his legacy. It is with great love and reverence that I wish to honor his memory by having his name included on the Wall of Honor in the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport, in Chantilly, Virginia.
"CP" as he was known to friends ("Paul, Jr." to his parents and nine-year-old brother) was born on April 10, 1928, and died in a SabreJet training accident on October 18, 1950. He was twenty-two years old, a newly-minted engineer from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and was living his dream of flying for his country in the recently created United States Air Force. Shortly after flight school at Nellis Air Force Base, he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, in defense of the Nation's Capital during the Korean Conflict. One of his squadron mates at Andrews, 2nd Lt. Alonzo J. Walter, Jr., who went on to a distinguished career of thirty years and retired a Brigadier General in the USAF, remembered "CP" fifty-five years later:
Having known your brother for a few months at Andrews AFB, MD, I was impressed that he was a dedicated and competent fighter pilot. He chose this profession because he wanted to serve his nation in some important way, and flying fighters was an exciting and rewarding answer to his quest. He was well aware of the dangers associated with his chosen work, both in peacetime and war, but decided that if he did his best, he could control his destiny as much as in any line of work... In my opinion, CP. Mills would have gone far in the U.S. Air Force. His death was a loss to our nation as well as to those who loved him.
On the personal side, Paul, Jr.'s memory was alive and well with his parents to the end. His last portrait, an Air Force photo, was in a place of honor on their dining room buffet, always with fresh flowers behind it. His father, C. P. Mills, Sr., died in 1985 and his mother, Gertrude Nicholas Mills, died in 1995. While they lived successful, long and healthy lives, I'm sure he was in their last thoughts.. .and I, through them, "knew" him and honor him today.
Skipping back in time to October 26, 1950: One of CP's college friends, Miss Jane Marie Surface, came home from his funeral and wrote a precious letter to my parents, which I found among their belongings after their passing...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mills,
The funeral service today was truly lovely. How right you were Mrs. Mills when you said, "Paul had a wealth of friends."
On the last date I had with Paul, I was reciting some of the poems I had written and Paul asked me if I would write one for him. I promised him that I would.
So, when I arrived home today, I took a walk through the woods and wrote the enclosed poem in memory of Paul. I thought perhaps you all would like to have a copy of it.
With my love, Jane Surface
In Memory of Paul
That last night when we were together,
I made you a promise Paul. Never realizing what was predicted,
To very soon befall.
I said that I would love to write,
A poem just for you. Including in it the things that you,
Always wanted me to
One thing, the joy you felt in flying,
I was to write about. Of this you and I both knew,
There could be no doubt.
You spoke of things I've never seen,
Or ever hope to see Above the clouds, the beauty there,
You alone held the key.
Your eyes would sparkle bright and clear,
When you spoke of your flights in the sky.
And you told me no one could really understand, Unless they too loved to fly.
You asked me often, if you talked to much
About it, and was I bored. But I would say no and beg you please,
To go on and tell me more.
Your life here is now completed,
And you've journeyed far away.
To a place that each of us will know, When it comes our day.
I know that in that place far away,
Where joys will never cease. You who loved life, accept death,
In its eternal peace.
And now that your last earthly flight is over,
We left behind only can give Our humblest prayers that we will be worthy
Of your life you gave, that we might live."
CP (or Paul Jr.) is listed on the Wall of Honor at the Udvar Hazy Museum:
Wall of Honor Location:
Foil: 11 Panel: 1 Column: 2 Line: 36
Honored by:
Ms. Paulette M. Gore
Inscription
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
335-INTERCEPTOR FIGHTER SQDN.
FOURTH FIGHTER GROUP
Family Members
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