Introduction
This web site is dedicated to my Dad the late Lt. Col. William W. McMillan, Jr. He was one of America's finest marksman. His career spanned nearly thirty years from his time with the U.S. Marine Corps and later with the San Diego Sheriff's Office. He competed in numerous shooting events from around the world earning him the respect and accolades from his fellow competitors.
Dad was born in Frostburg, Maryland on January 29, 1929 to William Willard McMillan, Sr. and Gladys Irene (West) McMillan. That same year, the McMillan family relocated to Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania where Grandad worked for the Westinghouse Electric Company. Dad graduated from Patton Township Junior High School on May 27, 1943 and later from Turtle Creek High School on May 31, 1946.
As the story goes, Dad wanted to serve in World War II as a Ball Turret Gunner. After he graduated from High School and along with some of his buddies, went to Pittsburgh to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Forces, but the recruiting office was closed. They ended up at the U.S. Marine Corps recruiting office and signed up "For Duty in Aviation Units Only." Because Dad was seventeen years old, his parents consented and enlisted on July 8, 1946. He was then transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island for Boot Camp.
When Dad completed his Basic Training, he was transferred to the 11th Service Marine Squadron, 11th Marine Air Group, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic for two years at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and served as an Apprentice Aviation Machinist. On May 4, 1947, Dad was honorably discharged "at the Convenience of the Government."
Dad returned home and with the help of his Father, he worked for Westinghouse Electric Company as a Sheet Metal Apprentice. After about fifteen months, Dad, with the encouragement of his parents, re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps "Regular Marine Corps" on August 17, 1948 and was transferred to Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Base, Brooklyn, New York and served with the 1st Guard Company. In September at Quantico, he qualified with the Rifle scoring a 314 which classified him as an Expert. However, he didn't qualifiy with the pistol and subsequently, had to walk the only rifle post in the Navy Yard.
From April and through June of 1949, Dad was selected to fire on the Marine Barracks, Brooklyn, New York Shooting Team.They travelled to Quantico, Virginia to compete in the Eastern Division and subsequent Marine Corps Matches. At the Eastern Division Matches, Dad scored a 518 placing him at 95th in the Individual Rifle Match. He was part of a four-man rifle team that scored 1100 for second place in the Elliott Trophy Rifle Team Match, seven points behind the winners, The Marine Corps Schools Rifle Team.
It was during the Divisional Matches and after the rifle match, that a Sergeant told the rifle shooters either to shoot in the Pistol Matches or be assigned the detail of picking up brass in the afternoon. Given the choice, Dad picked up the pistol and later went on to score a 541 for 7th place and his first gold Marine Corps Division Pistol Competition Badge. Following at the Marine Corps Pistol Matches, he placed 34th with a score of 526 and well on his way to earning his Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge.
Matthew S. McMillan
News & Updates:
This site was last updated Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Updated:
1966 Marine Corps Western Division Matches
1962 Marine Corps Rifle & Pistol Matches
1959 National Rifle & Pistol Championships
1959 Marine Corps Rifle & Pistol Matches
1959 Marine Corps Western Division Matches
1959 California State Rifle & Pistol Championships
1958 November 1st Southland Matches
1958 Arizona State Pistol Championship
1957 November 30th Southland Matches
1957 November 2nd Southland Matches
1957 National Matches
1957 April 6th Southland Matches
1957 National Mid-Winter Pistol Tournament
1951 National Mid-Winter Pistol Tournament
1951 Maryland State Revolver & Pistol Championships
1958 World Shooting Championships page
1959 National Mid-Winter Pistol Tournament page
Images of Dad's 1963 Colt National Match Pistol at the National Firearms Museum.
Video by the National Firearms Muesum Dad's 1963 Colt 45 Pistol.
Images of Dad's Hi Standard Pistol at the National Firearms Museum.
Video by the National Firearms Muesum of Dad's Hi Standard Pistol.
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