History of George McMillin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2026

George J. McMillin (1889–1983) was a career officer in the United States Navy who served as the final Naval Governor of Guam before its fall to Japanese forces during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Guam came under immediate threat. On December 10, 1941, McMillin led the small, largely unarmed insular force in a brief defense against an overwhelming Japanese invasion fleet. Recognizing the futility of further resistance and aiming to spare the local population from unnecessary carnage, he surrendered the territory. McMillin spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war in Japan. He is primarily remembered for his difficult leadership position during the early days of the Pacific War and the subsequent occupation of Guam.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1907: Appointment to the United States Naval Academy

In 1907, George McMillin received his appointment to begin his studies at the United States Naval Academy.

1911: Graduation from the United States Naval Academy

George McMillin successfully completed his education and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1911.

October 23, 1912: Marriage to Annabel Parlett

On October 23, 1912, George McMillin entered into marriage with Annabel Parlett at her parents' residence in Annapolis, Maryland. This union eventually led to the birth of their daughter, Ann, and the family later relocated to various locations such as Long Beach, California, and Guam.

1918: Historical Comparison of Storms

In 1918, a typhoon occurred that served as the historical benchmark for the storm that struck Guam on November 3, 1940, as it was considered the worst storm to hit the island since that year.

March 1919: Assistant Engineer Officer on the USS New Mexico

Starting in March 1919, George McMillin began serving as an assistant engineer officer aboard the USS New Mexico, a position he held until October of that same year.

August 1924: Service in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

In August 1924, George McMillin began a tour of duty within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he served until September 1926.

September 1926: Conclusion of service in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

September 1926 marked the end of George McMillin's assignment in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, following which he transitioned to become the first lieutenant of the USS Saratoga.

May 1930: Assistant to the Commandant of Midshipmen

Beginning in May 1930, George McMillin served as the assistant to the Commandant of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy while holding the rank of commander.

May 1933: Service with the United States Asiatic Fleet

In May 1933, following his tenure at the Naval Academy, McMillin was attached to the United States Asiatic Fleet to continue his naval service.

1936: Naval War College Attendance

During 1936, George McMillin attended the Naval War College, eventually serving on the staff there for two years after he graduated.

May 1938: Executive Officer of the USS Idaho

Starting in May 1938, McMillin assumed the role of executive officer aboard the battleship USS Idaho, serving in this position until April 1939.

April 1939: Command of the USS Medusa

In April 1939, following his service on the USS Idaho, McMillin took command of the repair ship USS Medusa.

April 20, 1940: Commencement of Naval Governorship

On April 20, 1940, George McMillin officially began his tenure serving as the naval governor of Guam.

November 3, 1940: Devastating Typhoon Strikes Guam

On November 3, 1940, a severe typhoon struck Guam, resulting in widespread destruction of crops, military infrastructure, and residential homes, leading McMillin to seek $50,000 in assistance from the American Red Cross.

October 17, 1941: Completion of U.S. Civilian Evacuation

On October 17, 1941, the evacuation of all non-military United States citizens from the island was successfully completed under the oversight of George McMillin, amidst rising political tensions with Japan. Only one individual, the pregnant wife of the chief commissary steward, remained on the island following this operation.

December 8, 1941: Invasion of Guam

On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces initiated an invasion of Guam, leading to McMillin's eventual surrender of the island's forces two days later.

December 10, 1941: Conclusion of Naval Governorship

George McMillin concluded his term as the naval governor of Guam on December 10, 1941.

1942: Academic Scholarship Award

In 1942, George McMillin's daughter was awarded a partial scholarship to attend Ogontz Junior College located in Pennsylvania, marking a significant step in her academic journey.

1944: Annabel McMillin Christens USS Guam

In 1944, while her husband George McMillin was held as a prisoner of war, Annabel McMillin served as the sponsor for the cruiser USS Guam and performed the ship's christening ceremony.

August 20, 1945: Liberation from Japanese Captivity

On August 20, 1945, George McMillin was finally liberated from his status as one of the first American prisoners of war held by the Japanese when Red Army forces secured his freedom.

June 1949: Retirement from the United States Navy

In June 1949, George McMillin concluded his distinguished naval career by retiring with the rank of rear admiral, marking the end of his service across multiple major global conflicts including World War I and World War II.