Robert Melampy

Robert J. Melampy arrived at Giulia Airfield, Italy in August, 1944 as a member of the B-24 crew #5909 led by 2Lt. Francis Hess.

On October 7, 1944 Robert departed Giulia Airfield on his third mission as the substitute bombardier of the B-24 crew led by 2Lt. Rudolf Lunak. On the mission (#122), the crew attacked German oil storage facilities near Vienna, Austria.

Robert was declared MIA on October 7, 1944 when 2Lt. Lunak's ship did not return to the airfield, and when it was subsequently reported as downed by enemy ground fire.

On October 8, 1945 Robert was declared dead under the presumption of death statutes and regulations in affect at the time.

In February, 1946 American forces obtained information from records at the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) of Vienna, Austria regarding burials of American military personnel in the cemetery during the war performed by the German army. In August 1946 the remains of Americans were moved to the St. Avold U.S. military cemetery near Metz, France, where they were re-interred. 'UNKNOWN' X-7105 was one of the interments.

In May 1947, 'UNKNOWN' X-7105 was positively identified by the Army as Robert J. Melampy. Subsequently, the War Department issued an amended Battle Casualty Report stating that the finding of death declared on October 8, 1945 had been amended to "Killed in Action", October 7, 1944.

Robert was repatriated to the United States in November, 1948. He was returned to his home town of Dayton, Ohio on December 2, 1948, accompanied by a military escort. He was interred in a civilian cemetery at Dayton shortly thereafter.

MACR: 8971

2nd Lt Robert J Melampy was assigned to the 459th BG 756th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Bombardier.

The following information on Robert Melampy is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt Melampy. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Robert Melampy's military record please contact us.