Colonel James W. Mitchell was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 29 May 1942, Class Number 16. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader and Company Ex, 85th Infantry Division, 337th Infantry. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Regimental Personnel Officer, 337th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division; Chief Officers Branch, Headquarters IRTC, Fort McClellan, Alabama; Class. & Assgn. of Officers and EM, Headquarters, Seventh Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia; Chief, JAG Branch and Instructor, USAR School, Knoxville, Tennessee; Instructor and Director of JAGC Branch, USAR School, Knoxville, Tennessee; Staff Judge Advocate of the Statewide Unit, 3231st USAR Log Command, Nashville, Tennessee; Chief, Military Justice Branch, SJA Office, Headquarters 3d Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia; Chief, Procurement Branch, SJA Office, Headquarters, Third Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia; Trial Judge, U.S. Army Trial Judiciary, Washington, D.C.; Appellate Judge, U.S. Army Court of Military Review, Washington, D.C. | Military schools attended include: The Judge Advocate Generals School, Command and General Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces. | His awards and decorations include: Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Reserve, Achievement Medal, World War II Victory Medal.