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Herbert Mills graduated from the A&M College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) as a member of the Class of 1939 with a degree in Agriculture. He worked as the Assistant County Agent in El Paso.

He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy from 16 to 18 November 1944, in Germany. Lt Col Mills, by a combination of bravery conspicuous leadership and exceptional tactical ability brilliantly led his task force over difficult terrain, across dense minefields and through devastating enemy fire to secure a vital objective. On the initial day of the assault, one of his tanks was hit blocking the advance of the column through a lane cleared of mines. Lt Col Mills dismounted from his tank, personally directed engineers in clearing another lane and led his force through the minefield. While courageously reorganizing his position, a shell struck within a few feet of him, causing a severe strain of his right leg. Though in much pain, he refused medical aid and continued his reconnaissance on foot to improve his positions. Although he lost all officers of his medium tank companies and thirty-three tanks, Lt Col kept his force effectively organized and, in the face of fanatical enemy oppositional, captured his objective without infantry support. While Lt Col Mills was in the process of communicating with higher headquarters to report that his mission was accomplished, a shell struck the building above his tank, fatally wounding him.