How Do You Honor an American Hero?

This was the question that faced the McMillan family after they learned of the death of beloved husband, son, brother, and soldier, Bill McMillan.

A warrior who saved lives and fought fiercely, Corporal McMillan was killed by a roadside IED during combat operations in Iraq on July 8, 2008. As a soldier and a person, Bill McMillan exemplified the best that America had to offer. Any tribute to this American hero would have to be one of enduring significance.  

After his son's death, Captain Lloyd McMillan, Bill's father, knew he wanted to honor Bill's life in a way that gave something back to others just as the Army combat medic had so often done. Lloyd soon came up with the idea of awarding a distinctive medallion, along with an honorarium in Bill's name, to a deserving cadet at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, where Bill graduated and left a lasting legacy. Lloyd named the medallion the "American Spirit Award" as a tribute to the way his son lived his life.

"Bill exemplified the American Spirit. He worked hard, took his lumps and deserved all the success that came his way," said Lloyd.

In searching for the right organization to produce this physical symbol that would honor his son's legacy, Lloyd wanted a company known for producing works of exceptional quality and that had extensive knowledge of the military.  When he found Northwest Territorial Mint, he knew he had the right choice.

Honor Defined in Metal

With the help of Northwest Territorial Mint's custom sales executive, Marty Colwell, Lloyd developed a unique design for the custom-crafted medallion that would represent the memorial to his son Bill. From concept through production, Northwest Territorial Mint worked with Lloyd to ensure he got the masterpiece that he wanted.

"I talked to Marty about my concepts and idea and he was extremely helpful in walking me through every step of the process. I had the general idea for the design on the face of the coin and their art department was great about developing it," Lloyd said.  "Northwest Territorial Mint really inspired my confidence. After I saw that first concept design, Marty really worked hard to quickly finalize it."

Colwell understood that this responsibility was a rare chance to help honor a true American hero. "I told Lloyd that we wanted to make a medallion that was worthy of his son." Colwell said. "This kind of project really stays with you and we wanted to get it right for the McMillan family."

An Inspiring Life

The courageous spirit with which Bill McMillan lived his life guaranteed that he will never be forgotten. "Doc" or "Big Mac" as he was known to his battalion possessed a larger-than-life personality who never seemed to go a minute without a smile on his face. Whether at the aid station or in the field, his engaging charisma and willingness to put the needs of others before his own and cheer up his fellow soldiers was always welcomed.

As a medic in the 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade, Bill was a soldier that every member of his unit wanted by his side and he used his skills and training to save the lives of American soldiers and Iraqis.  In one memorable instance, CPL McMillan earned the Bronze Star for his courageous efforts to save the life, with no regard for his own personal safety, of a wounded enemy combatant.

Pulling guard duty one night near Sadr City, Iraq, CPL McMillan alerted his Platoon Sergeant of nearby insurgent IED activity. The two engaged the enemy and CPL McMillan, an expert marksman, and the sergeant killed three enemy combatants and wounded a fourth. Despite the potential threat to his own life, CPL McMillan rushed to treat the wounds of the surviving enemy combatant they had shot. With the risk of a remote detonation imminent, CPL McMillan was ordered to retreat from the area. The IED was detonated as the two pulled back and CPL McMillan escaped serious harm. For his heroic actions and for putting another's life before his own, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his selfless service.

Bill McMillan's Legacy Continues

The American Spirit medallion and scholarship will be given out every year to a standout Senior Cadet from Hargrave Military Academy. The award will recognize a Cadet who displays respect for his country, achievement in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the community. Also mandated in the award's requirements, the winner must have a sense of humor and "be outgoing and love life," just as Bill McMillan did.

Along with the medallion, Captain Lloyd McMillan and Northwest Territorial Mint designed a special remembrance coin that will be given to members of the family and members of Bill's battalion at a Memorial Dinner near Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

"With the remembrance coin we will grip hands with the past as we carry Bill's memory close to us in the future, "said Lloyd.

"He's gone, but will certainly be long remembered by many. The coins truly add to that."