McLean County Musem of History

Photograph of Lt. Mark Millard.

Lt. Mark Millard Collection

Processed by Max Briggs
Summer 2007

Reprocessed by Michael Kozak
Spring 2008

Table of Contents

Collection Information

Historical Sketch

Scope and Content Note

Box and Folder Inventory

Collection Information

Volume of Collection:

One Box.

Collection Dates:

1937-1990.

Restrictions:

Some brittle documents. Use photocopies unless authorized by Librarian / Archivist.

Reproduction Rights:

Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History.

Other Finding Aids: Record in National Union Catalog Manuscripts Collection On-Line

Location:

Archives

Notes:

For additional information, see: Lt. Mark Millard photographs file and Gold Star Mothers collection Box 1.

Collection Information
Volume of Collection:	One Box.
Collection Dates:	1937-1990.
Restrictions:	Some brittle documents. Use photocopies unless authorized by Librarian / Archivist.
Reproduction Rights:	Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History.
Other Finding Aids:	Record in National Union Catalog Manuscripts Collection On-Line
Location:	Archives
Notes:	For additional information, see: Lt. Mark Millard photographs file and Gold Star Mothers collection Box 1.

Lt. Millard trained at Randolph Field, TX, known throughout the Army Air Corps as "The West Point of the Air."

Millard was an amateur artist. Here he recorded the death of A.M. Berry during a training mission at Randolph Field, TX on January 10, 1943.

Historical Sketch

   Lieutenant Mark Eugene Millard was born October 6, 1922 in East St. Louis, IL to Mark and Helen (Hazel) Millard. His father was a longtime employee of the Alton (and later Gulf, Moblie & Ohio) Railroad. The family moved to Bloomington in 1926. Ever since a child, he had been interested in aviation, dreaming of becoming a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot and flying the fastest plane in the world. His interest in speed might have originated from his victory in the 1937 Bloomington soap box derby.
Before the U.S. entered World War II, Millard unsuccessfully tried to enlist in the Canadian Air Force. After Pearl Harbor, he successfully enlisted on April 6, 1942 at Peoria, IL. Millard was in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to late 1943. His ground training was at Kelly Field, San Antonio, TX. He continued his training at Corsicana Air Field, also near San Antonio, flying his first solo flight on October 26, 1942. He then had basic training back at Kelly Field and flew more training hours at nearby Randolph Field, which was known as "The West Point of the Air." He finished his advanced training at Moore Field in McAllen, TX. Graduating as a fighter pilot and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, on April 22, 1943, he was ordered to Mitchell Field, NY.
   Millard was then transferred to Camp Springs Air Field, outside of Washington D.C., to complete his fighter training. He was assigned to the 364th Fighter Squadron which was flying the P-47 Thunderbolt and was at that time the fastest fighter plane at high altitude. He completed his training in early September 1943 and was ordered to prepare to go overseas. After a nine day leave he returned to duty on September 15.
  On the morning of September 25, 1943, he and his roommate, Lieutenant R. B. Lind, took off in an AT-6 trainer for a practice flight. Around 10:30 am their plane crashed into the Magothy River near Annapolis, MD. It is not known what caused the crash or who was flying the plane, but it was assumed that the force with which they hit the water knocked them unconscious and they drowned.
  His body was returned to Bloomington, escorted by one of his flight mates Lieutenant Roy Lacy. He was buried in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, on September 29, 1943. After his death his mother, Helen Millard, became an active member of the local Gold Star Mothers chapter, an organization for the mothers of deceased soldiers.

Historical Sketch
Lieutenant Mark Eugene Millard was born October 6, 1922 in East St. Louis, IL to Mark and Helen (Hazel) Millard. His father was a longtime employee of the Alton (and later Gulf, Moblie & Ohio) Railroad. The family moved to Bloomington in 1926. Ever since a child, he had been interested in aviation, dreaming of becoming a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot and flying the fastest plane in the world. His interest in speed might have originated from his victory in the 1937 Bloomington soap box derby. Before the U.S. entered World War II, Millard unsuccessfully tried to enlist in the Canadian Air Force. After Pearl Harbor, he successfully enlisted on April 6, 1942 at Peoria, IL. Millard was in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to late 1943. His ground training was at Kelly Field, San Antonio, TX. He continued his training at Corsicana Air Field, also near San Antonio, flying his first solo flight on October 26, 1942. He then had basic training back at Kelly Field and flew more training hours at nearby Randolph Field, which was known as "The West Point of the Air." He finished his advanced training at Moore Field in McAllen, TX. Graduating as a fighter pilot and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, on April 22, 1943, he was ordered to Mitchell Field, NY. Millard was then transferred to Camp Springs Air Field, outside of Washington D.C., to complete his fighter training. He was assigned to the 364th Fighter Squadron which was flying the P-47 Thunderbolt and was at that time the fastest fighter plane at high altitude. He completed his training in early September 1943 and was ordered to prepare to go overseas. After a nine day leave he returned to duty on September 15. On the morning of September 25, 1943, he and his roommate, Lieutenant R. B. Lind, took off in an AT-6 trainer for a practice flight. Around 10:30 am their plane crashed into the Magothy River near Annapolis, MD. It is not known what caused the crash or who was flying the plane, but it was assumed that the force with which they hit the water knocked them unconscious and they drowned. His body was returned to Bloomington, escorted by one of his flight mates Lieutenant Roy Lacy. He was buried in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, on September 29, 1943. After his death his mother, Helen Millard, became an active member of the local Gold Star Mothers chapter, an organization for the mothers of deceased soldiers.

Scope and Contents Note

This collection consists of materials put together by Helen Millard, mother of Mark Millard. The materials consist of letters, photos (not in the box), newspaper clippings, and a variety of war-related material. The clippings about Lt. Millard are primarily published after his death. There are also several clippings referring to Helen and her doings in the Gold Star Mothers. The materials range from his 1937 soapbox race, to a 1990 letter written by Helen Millard.

Scope and Contents Note
This collection consists of materials put together by Helen Millard, mother of Mark Millard. The materials consist of letters, photos (not in the box), newspaper clippings, and a variety of war-related material. The clippings about Lt. Millard are primarily published after his death. There are also several clippings referring to Helen and her doings in the Gold Star Mothers. The materials range from his 1937 soapbox race, to a 1990 letter written by Helen Millard.

Box and Folder Inventory

Folder 1:
Biographical

1.1.1
Poem written for the Pantagraph by Millard family, 10-year anniversary of death.

1.1.2
Typed obituary 3 copies, 1 laminated.

1.1.3
3 newspaper clippings relating to Lt. Millard earning his wings.

1.1.4
Promotion notice, temporary second lieutenant, April 22, 1943.

1.1.5
3 telegraph transmissions, notification of death and transportation of remains.

1.1.6
Official death notice for Millard, October 7, 1943, 374th Fighter Squadron, Richmond VA, signed by J.M. Stryker, Captain.

1.1.7
Clipping from the Pantagraph, September 25, 1948, "In Memoriam".

1.1.8
Obituary for Millard, Pantagraph, September 26, 1943.

1.1.9
Funeral notice for Millard, Pantagraph, September 27, 1943.

Folder 2:
Aviation

1.2.1
2 Flight Logs, Lt. Mark E. Millard, 1943-1944.

1.2.2
Certificate for new tires, 2Grade I size 600x16.

1.2.3
Aviation map, Washington (T-9) Restricted.

1.2.4
Student navigational computer, Card with a rotating weal, calculates Speed-Time Distance, Altitude, Air Speed, Longitude Miles-Minutes.

1.2.5
Passed Instrument flight test card, signed by Wallace E. Hopkins.

1.2.6
"Keep' Em Flying" pictures of American planes.

1.2.7
"Earning Their Wings" newspaper clipping, photo of Frank L. Mailander and Mark E. Millard.

1.2.8
"The West Point of the Air," booklet, Randolph Field, Texas, unpaged.

1.2.9
First solo flight certificate, November 1942.

1.2.10
"From the Ground Up", as told to Richard Thruelsen, June 15, 1935, 2 pages.

1.2.11
2 newspaper clippings about the P-47 Thunderbolt.

Folder 3:
Aviation instructional

1.3.1
Technical Manual, Air Navigation, 296 pages, technical manual 1-205.

1.3.2
Handbook of Operation and Flight Instructions, P-40 F Airplane June 10, 1942, revised 12 1042, attached From T-1 & Form T-5.

1.3.3
3 Form One magazines, Dec 1942, Jan 1943, Feb 1943.

1.3.4
Handbook of Instructions Air Corps Radio Facility Charts, January 1, 1942, 69 pages.

Folder 4:
Miscellaneous

1.4.1
Pig, Hitler fold-in.

1.4.2
"Baltimore & Ohio Magazine" article written by the father, Mark Millard.

1.4.3
Drawing, car.

1.4.4
Drawing, crashing airplane.

1.4.5
Scrap book, includes photos and notes.

1.4.6
4 pictures of Millard tombstone.

1.4.7
2 business cards, 1 "Yup! I'm a pilot now", 1 plain.

1.4.8
War production plant visitor identification card, Mark Millard (father).

1.4.9
Fiji currency and note, April 14, 1943,.

1.4.10
3 newspaper clippings on the 1937 soapbox derby, Pantagraph, July 22 & 23, 1937.

1.4.11
List of signatures on notebook paper.

1.4.12
Telegraph transmission about a car, September 19, 1943.

1.4.13
2 post cards, one blank, one addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Mark Millard.

1.4.14
5 envelopes addressed to Mr. or Mrs. Millard.

1.4.15
Moor Field year book class 43-D (outside of folder).

Folder 5:
Millard Family War-Related Items

1.5.1
Ration book holder (empty).

1.5.2
Ration stamp holder, full of ration stamps.

1.5.3
12 ration books, Millard family.

1.5.4
Gasoline rations.

1.5.5
"We must not and can not lose this war." card with a speech on it.

1.5.6
7th U.S. War Loan, promotional advertisement for war bonds.

1.5.7
How to Conserve the Nation's Resources Driving Your Automobile, booklet, 11 pages.

1.5.8
Handbook for Canvassers In the Pledge Campaign, Treasury department, 25 pages.

1.5.9
1944 War Fund window sticker.

1.5.10
"Stop! There's Dynamite in that Grease", IL State Council of Defense.

1.5.11
American Red Cross 1943 War Fund advertisement.

1.5.12
How Your Money is Being Spent for the Defense of America, three fold brochure.

1.5.13
"Please Read Carefully", small translucent sheet with brown type.

1.5.14
Stop & Look, booklet, 15 pages.

1.5.15
A China Burma India Souvenir, Inside, a picture of an American taxi hailing a taxi.

1.5.16
Consumer's Pledge for Total Defense, Miss Helen Vee Millard.

1.5.17
America on Guard, postal savings plan for the purchase of United States defense savings bonds.

1.5.18
Pledge for regular Investment in Defense Savings Bonds, Helen V. Millard. Invest 6.25 a month.

1.5.19
"Fight By His Side" 5th War Loan, June 12-July 8, 1944; descriptive folder.

1.5.20
Illinois Commercial Men's Association pocket calendar.

1.5.21
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, savings stamps description.

1.5.22
Camels-First in the Service and at home, verification that Camel cigarettes have been delivered to soldiers.

1.5.23
Chicago Tribune "Adopt a Yank for Christmas", Privste William J. Sztuczko, Dec. 1941.

Folder 6:
Stationery

1.6.1
3 envelops.

1.6.2
8 sheets of air force stationery.

Folder 7:
State Farm

1.7.1
Reflector Vol. XVI, March 1943, State Farm Insurance, In the World at War By G. J. Mecherle, 27 pages.

1.7.2
2 While-away news, June 1942, September 1942.

1.7.3
State farm memo to all employees, Jan 5, 1943, signed by R.V. Boone.

1.7.4
State Farm Pay Roll Allotment Plan Savings Bonds pamphlet.

1.7.5
2 letters between D.M. Paul & C.F. Stewart, Jan 8 1942, Jan 19 1942.

1.7.6
Stanford Forms Bureau progress report to companies, June 22, 1942.

1.7.7
To: Mr. Logan, From: State Farm fire insurance company. Discussing war damage insurance.

1.7.8
Application for insurance, Feb 5, 1945. Same parties as above listed object.

Folder 8:
Gold Star Mothers

1.8.1
Gold Star Mothers stationery.

1.8.2
Hand written note (photo copy).

1.8.3
Articles and photo on black cardboard, Hazel Millard, President of McLean County Gold Star Mothers.

1.8.4
Veteran's Day newsletter, Nov 11, 1958, Written by Elizabeth Spicer.

1.8.5
Gold Star Mothers poem, By Florence Eemeline Wright.

1.8.6
Handwritten letter, September 4, 1990.

1.8.7
13th Annual Convention book, The National Gold Star Mothers, September 25-29, 1963.

1.8.8
Gold Star Mothers ritual book.

1.8.9
12 newspaper clippings relating to the gold star mothers.

Folder 9:
Correspondence

1.9.1
2 V-Mail letters, January 17 and August 9, 1944.

1.9.2
Letter written by Mark Millard to father, accompanying clipping, November 26, 1942.

1.9.3
Memorial day letter with envelope, Memorial Day, 1945.

1.9.4
To: Mr. Millard (father), From: R. E. Nugent, September 27, 1943.

1.9.5
Hand written letter by Mrs. Millard, December 5th and 20th, 1987.

1.9.6
To: General Barney M. Giles. From: Mr. Millard (father), December 14, 1943.

1.9.7
To: Mr. and Mrs. Mark Millard, From: H. R. Harmon, August 28, 1942.

McLean County Museum of History Collections and Research

Folder 1:	Biographical
1.1.1	Poem written for the Pantagraph by Millard family, 10-year anniversary of death.
1.1.2	Typed obituary 3 copies, 1 laminated.
1.1.3	3 newspaper clippings relating to Lt. Millard earning his wings.
1.1.4	Promotion notice, temporary second lieutenant, April 22, 1943.
1.1.5	3 telegraph transmissions, notification of death and transportation of remains.
1.1.6	Official death notice for Millard, October 7, 1943, 374th Fighter Squadron, Richmond VA, signed by J.M. Stryker, Captain.
1.1.7	Clipping from the Pantagraph, September 25, 1948, "In Memoriam".
1.1.8	Obituary for Millard, Pantagraph, September 26, 1943.
1.1.9	Funeral notice for Millard, Pantagraph, September 27, 1943.

Folder 2:	Aviation
1.2.1	2 Flight Logs, Lt. Mark E. Millard, 1943-1944.
1.2.2	Certificate for new tires, 2Grade I size 600x16.
1.2.3	Aviation map, Washington (T-9) Restricted.
1.2.4	Student navigational computer, Card with a rotating weal, calculates Speed-Time Distance, Altitude, Air Speed, Longitude Miles-Minutes.
1.2.5	Passed Instrument flight test card, signed by Wallace E. Hopkins.
1.2.6	"Keep' Em Flying" pictures of American planes.
1.2.7	"Earning Their Wings" newspaper clipping, photo of Frank L. Mailander and Mark E. Millard.
1.2.8	"The West Point of the Air," booklet, Randolph Field, Texas, unpaged.
1.2.9	First solo flight certificate, November 1942.
1.2.10	"From the Ground Up", as told to Richard Thruelsen, June 15, 1935, 2 pages.
1.2.11	2 newspaper clippings about the P-47 Thunderbolt.

Folder 3:	Aviation instructional
1.3.1	Technical Manual, Air Navigation, 296 pages, technical manual 1-205.
1.3.2	Handbook of Operation and Flight Instructions, P-40 F Airplane June 10, 1942, revised 12 1042, attached From T-1 & Form T-5.
1.3.3	3 Form One magazines, Dec 1942, Jan 1943, Feb 1943.
1.3.4	Handbook of Instructions Air Corps Radio Facility Charts, January 1, 1942, 69 pages.

Folder 4:	Miscellaneous
1.4.1	Pig, Hitler fold-in.
1.4.2	"Baltimore & Ohio Magazine" article written by the father, Mark Millard.
1.4.3	Drawing, car.
1.4.4	Drawing, crashing airplane.
1.4.5	Scrap book, includes photos and notes.
1.4.6	4 pictures of Millard tombstone.
1.4.7	2 business cards, 1 "Yup! I'm a pilot now", 1 plain.
1.4.8	War production plant visitor identification card, Mark Millard (father).
1.4.9	Fiji currency and note, April 14, 1943,.
1.4.10	3 newspaper clippings on the 1937 soapbox derby, Pantagraph, July 22 & 23, 1937.
1.4.11	List of signatures on notebook paper.
1.4.12	Telegraph transmission about a car, September 19, 1943.
1.4.13	2 post cards, one blank, one addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Mark Millard.
1.4.14	5 envelopes addressed to Mr. or Mrs. Millard.
1.4.15	Moor Field year book class 43-D (outside of folder).

Folder 5:	Millard Family War-Related Items
1.5.1	Ration book holder (empty).
1.5.2	Ration stamp holder, full of ration stamps.
1.5.3	12 ration books, Millard family.
1.5.4	Gasoline rations.
1.5.5	"We must not and can not lose this war." card with a speech on it.
1.5.6	7th U.S. War Loan, promotional advertisement for war bonds.
1.5.7	How to Conserve the Nation's Resources Driving Your Automobile, booklet, 11 pages.
1.5.8	Handbook for Canvassers In the Pledge Campaign, Treasury department, 25 pages.
1.5.9	1944 War Fund window sticker.
1.5.10	"Stop! There's Dynamite in that Grease", IL State Council of Defense.
1.5.11	American Red Cross 1943 War Fund advertisement.
1.5.12	How Your Money is Being Spent for the Defense of America, three fold brochure.
1.5.13	"Please Read Carefully", small translucent sheet with brown type.
1.5.14	Stop & Look, booklet, 15 pages.
1.5.15	A China Burma India Souvenir, Inside, a picture of an American taxi hailing a taxi.
1.5.16	Consumer's Pledge for Total Defense, Miss Helen Vee Millard.
1.5.17	America on Guard, postal savings plan for the purchase of United States defense savings bonds.
1.5.18	Pledge for regular Investment in Defense Savings Bonds, Helen V. Millard. Invest 6.25 a month.
1.5.19	"Fight By His Side" 5th War Loan, June 12-July 8, 1944; descriptive folder.
1.5.20	Illinois Commercial Men's Association pocket calendar.
1.5.21	Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, savings stamps description.
1.5.22	Camels-First in the Service and at home, verification that Camel cigarettes have been delivered to soldiers.
1.5.23	Chicago Tribune "Adopt a Yank for Christmas", Privste William J. Sztuczko, Dec. 1941.

Folder 6:	Stationery
1.6.1	3 envelops.
1.6.2	8 sheets of air force stationery.

Folder 7:	State Farm
1.7.1	Reflector Vol. XVI, March 1943, State Farm Insurance, In the World at War By G. J. Mecherle, 27 pages.
1.7.2	2 While-away news, June 1942, September 1942.
1.7.3	State farm memo to all employees, Jan 5, 1943, signed by R.V. Boone.
1.7.4	State Farm Pay Roll Allotment Plan Savings Bonds pamphlet.
1.7.5	2 letters between D.M. Paul & C.F. Stewart, Jan 8 1942, Jan 19 1942.
1.7.6	Stanford Forms Bureau progress report to companies, June 22, 1942.
1.7.7	To: Mr. Logan, From: State Farm fire insurance company. Discussing war damage insurance.
1.7.8	Application for insurance, Feb 5, 1945. Same parties as above listed object.

Folder 8:	Gold Star Mothers
1.8.1	Gold Star Mothers stationery.
1.8.2	Hand written note (photo copy).
1.8.3	Articles and photo on black cardboard, Hazel Millard, President of McLean County Gold Star Mothers.
1.8.4	Veteran's Day newsletter, Nov 11, 1958, Written by Elizabeth Spicer.
1.8.5	Gold Star Mothers poem, By Florence Eemeline Wright.
1.8.6	Handwritten letter, September 4, 1990.
1.8.7	13th Annual Convention book, The National Gold Star Mothers, September 25-29, 1963.
1.8.8	Gold Star Mothers ritual book.
1.8.9	12 newspaper clippings relating to the gold star mothers.

Folder 9:	Correspondence
1.9.1	2 V-Mail letters, January 17 and August 9, 1944.
1.9.2	Letter written by Mark Millard to father, accompanying clipping, November 26, 1942.
1.9.3	Memorial day letter with envelope, Memorial Day, 1945.
1.9.4	To: Mr. Millard (father), From: R. E. Nugent, September 27, 1943.
1.9.5	Hand written letter by Mrs. Millard, December 5th and 20th, 1987.
1.9.6	To: General Barney M. Giles. From: Mr. Millard (father), December 14, 1943.
1.9.7	To: Mr. and Mrs. Mark Millard, From: H. R. Harmon, August 28, 1942.