Hilliard Jackson Mills enlisted 22 Apr 1862 in Wake Co., NC and was discharged Spring 1865. He served when he was 16 to 19 yrs. old, for about 3 yrs. His highest rank attained was Private. Hilliard served in the 47th NC Regiment Infantry, Co. H, known as "NC Tigers". This Co. enlisted in Wake Co. and 29 Apr 1862 was mustered in at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh. They were commanded by Capt. Charles T. Haughton, and then Capt. Sidney W. Mitchell.

May 1862 the 47th NC was ordered to Kinston, NC and went into camp between there and New Bern. At camp they spent about 2 mos. drilling, training, and being detailed to guard outposts. 5 Jul 1862 Hilliard & Co. were ordered to Petersburg, VA and then to Drewry's Bluff, VA, where they were detailed for picket duty and construction of fortifications.

Mid Aug 1862 the 47th NC returned to Petersburg and served on provost guard duty. Nov 1862 they were sent to Weldon, NC and then returned to Petersburg. 14 Dec 1862 Hilliard & Co. moved to Kinston to reinforce a garrison resisiting a Union advance. Afterwards they moved to Goldsboro, NC and then back to Petersburg. Later the 47th NC was sent to Blackwater River to assist in defending S.E. VA.

Mar 1863 they participated in the campaign to recapture New Bern and Washington, NC. 15 Apr 1863 they were engaged with Union troops at Blount's Creek, near Washington. 1 May 1863 Hilliard & Co. moved to Richmond, VA by railroad. Early Jun 1863 they moved to Hamilton's Crossing, near Fredericksburg, VA and 24 Jun 1863 moved into MD. 27 Jun 1863 the 47th NC arrived at Fayetteville, PA and 2 days later, were ordered to Cashtown.

1-3 Jul 1863 they participated in the Battle of Gettysburg, PA. 1 Jul 1863 Hilliard & Co. were engaged in heavy firewith Union troops, driving them back to Cemetery Heights. 2 Jul 1863
they were not engaged. 3 Jul 1863 the 47th NC participated in "Pickett's Charge" at Gettysburg and were subjected to massive fire and lost many men.

14 Jul 1863 they were engaged at Falling Waters. 14 Oct 1863 Hilliard & Co. were heavily engaged with Union troops at Bristoe Station. Dec 1863 the 47th NC went into winter quarters near Orange Court House, VA.

1 May 1864 Hilliard was hospitalized at Farmville, VA with a gunshot wound. 14 Jun 1864 he returned to duty, but a week later was furloughed for 60 days. Sep-Oct 1864 he was reported absent-sick. 23Jan 1865 Hilliard was hospitalized at Raleigh, NC with organic disease of the heart and pericarditis . 26 Jan 1865 he was furloughed for 60 days and then discharged. Hilliard returned home and recuperated.

10 May 1902 Hilliard applied for a soldier's pension from the Stateof NC, for wounds that he received during the Civil War. He made the application in Wake Co., NC. Hilliard stated that while he was at Gettysburg, PA on or about 2 Jul 1863, he "was wounded in the right forearm and in the left arm above the elbow". Dr. James R. Rogers, M.D. stated "wound in right forearm and hand, and to left arm above the elbow. Also, double rupture amounting to 3/4 disability". J.D. Newsom was Hilliard's witness, and the application was approved.