Robert Mellard

Robert Burnett Mellard (13 May 1919 – 19 September 1976) was an American soldier who fought in World War II, serving in the United States Army from 1938–1946. He was discharged after being wounded at the Battle of Monte Cassino and was awarded 2 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars all with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart and his unit received the Croix de Guerre.

Robert Mellard
Birth nameRobert Burnett Mellard
Born(1919-05-13)13 May 1919
Hope, New Mexico, U.S.
Died19 September 1976(1976-09-19) (aged 57)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Buried
Skylawn Memorial Park
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1938–1955
RankTechnical sergeant
Service number06573444
Unit3rd Infantry Division
Battles/wars
Awards
Spouse(s)
Helen Mellard
​
​
(m. 1941; div. 1948)​

World War II service

Mellard joined the United States Army in 1938.[1] He was a platoon sergeant for the Third Infantry Division.[2]

October 22, 1942–May 4, 1945

Mellard was stationed in Africa, but spent much of his time in battle throughout Europe in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany.[1] He was wounded on his back, hands and legs from heavy artillery during combat at the Battle of Monte Cassino in Alsace–Lorraine and France.[2]

Decorations

In 1946, Mellard was discharged from Letterman General Hospital.[2] He was awarded 2 Silver Stars for heroism in Italy and Germany[3] and 2 Bronze Stars for bravery,[2] all of them with 3 oak leaf clusters.[1] He wore the Purple Heart to represent his injuries and his unit was awarded the Croix de Guerre.[2]

Personal life

Mellard and his wife, Helen, were married on May 5, 1941 in Olympia, Washington. He left for Europe on October 22, 1942 and didn't see her again until their fourth anniversary in 1945 after traveling from Camp Patrick Henry to Minneapolis, Minnesota.[1] On September 26, 1948, the couple filed for divorce.[4]

Car accident

On November 8, 1946, Mellard was driving an Army recruiting truck in Oakland, California when he hit Johnnie Calvin James.[5] James died at the scene and Mellard fled. Mellard reported the accident to his superior officers at Camp Knight and was charged on felony hit and run and manslaughter. He was booked at Oakland City Jail and held on $4,000 bail.[2]

Death

Mellard passed away on September 19, 1976 in San Francisco, California. He was buried at Skylawn Memorial Park.[6]

References
  1. "Wife, Cops Wait Hero For Celebration Here". Minneapolis Daily Times. 78 (294): 1. 1945-05-03 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "War Hero Held in Auto Death". Oakland Tribune. 145 (131): 14. 1946-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Robert Mellard - Recipient -". Militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  4. "Divorces Asked". The Sunday Olympian. 56 (123): 12. 1948-09-26 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Jury Silent on Murder Blame". Oakland Tribune. 145 (140): 16-A. 1946-11-17 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Funerals". The San Francisco Examiner. 112 (88): 30. 1976-09-21 – via Newspapers.com.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.