LEXINGTON, KY, USA U.S. Army CPL, HHC, 1ST BATTALION, 21ST INFANTRY, 2 BCT, SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI BAGHDAD, IRAQ 07/08/2008
CPL William Lloyd McMillan, III, was a Soldier dedicated to his friends and his profession. As a medic, CPL McMillan was committed to being the best and teaching those around him the skills necessary to save lives. His selfless service and loyalty was illustrated by his dedication to those around him-always placing a Soldier’s needs before his own. CPL McMillan was the man that every Soldier wanted by his side.
He could always make people laugh. No matter what the circumstances, he could always make a Soldier smile, whether it was a peer, subordinate, or leader.
CPL McMillan was born in Pittsfield, MA on 23 October 1985 to Marge and Lloyd McMillan. During high school, he showed his greatness, serving as the captain of his football, lacrosse, and wrestling teams. He enlisted on 6 October 2005, completing his basic and medical training by May of 2006.
Shortly after, CPL McMillan arrived to the 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division, fulfilling the role of a medic for the brigade. Over a year later, CPL McMillan joined the 1-21 Infantry Battalion and on 31 July 2007, he became a member of the 2nd Platoon, A company. CPL McMillan became the man that every Soldier in 2nd platoon would trust with his life and learn to love as a brother.
After a two month stint at the National Training Center, “Doc” McMillan deployed with A Company to Baghdad, Iraq, in December of 2007. There, CPL McMillan performed his duties exceptionally well, saving the lives of American and Iraqi Soldiers, treating ailments of Iraqis while on foot patrol, and listening to the heartaches and worries of his friends.
Not only was CPL McMillan and exceptional medic, but he was also a warrior, being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for helping to prevent four enemies from emplacing an EFP IED in Sadr City.
CPL McMillan’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Weapons Qualifications Badge of Expert.
CPL McMillan’s enthusiasm for life, passion for helping others, and ability to find humor in the most dire situations will always be remembered by those who lived, fought, and laughed with him. CPL McMillan is survived by his wife, Elizabeth McMillan; his parents, Marge and Lloyd McMillan; his brother Brad, sister Laura Buchanan and husband Rob, niece Paige and nephew Chance.
Comments