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Pfc Laurel C. Mitchell joined the Regular Army at Punta Gorda Army Air Force Base, Florida on 2 May 1940.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously twice. The citations cited:
- On 3 March 1945, at Hartungshof, Germany. On that date, Pfc Mitchell rushed through intense enemy machine pistol and machine gun fire to evacuate wounded men from a building. His great courage in moving from a place of comparative safety to an area of extreme danger to perform this mission is in accord with the finest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, the 63rd Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
- On 15 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. Pfc Mitchell's squad was held up by enemy machine gun fire. Running from the house where his squad had taken cover, he opened fire on the enemy with his sub-machine gun, forming a base of fire that allowed his squad to advance and destroy the enemy's position. Pfc Mitchell was killed in this action. The outstanding gallantry and courage displayed by Pfc Mitchell reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.