Missing SSGT Wilhelm, Melvin F. – 35559189
Melvin F. Wilhelm – 35559189 is a World War II Missing in Action (MIA) Staff Sergeant whose name is engraved at the Tablets of the Missing at World War II Margraten U.S. Cemetery and Memorial in The Netherlands. His name is adopted by Tino Dam, Study Group Missing Soldier board member.
About SSGT Wilhelm – 35559189
| Name: Wilhelm, Melvin F. |
| Initials: Melvin Francis |
| Rank: Staff Sergeant (SSGT), Tail Gunner |
| Service number: 35559189 |
| Status: Missing in Action (MIA) |
| Missing since: Augustus 25, 1944 |
| Unit: 8th Air Force, 334th Bomber Squadron, 95th Bomber Group, Heavy |
| Commemorated: Tablets of the Missing, Netherlands Margraten U.S. Cemetery and Memorial |
| Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart |
| Adopted by: Tino Dam, Study Group Missing Soldier board member |
Circumstances
B-17G 44-6085 Piloted by 2nd Lt. Albert B. Powell Jr. was seen to be hit by FLAK over the target at 13:04hrs. The 3 & 4 engines had to be feathered. The pilot attempted to stay in formation, but in the vicinity of Stettin Lake eight chutes were seen to leave the aircraft. All eight grounded. At 53.47N / 12.33E at 13:31hrs the aircraft exploded, and pieces of it fell into the lake.
Aircraft data
Serial number: 44-6085
Type: B-17G
Target: Pölitz, Germany
Mission: Bombing
Missing Air Crew Report (MACR): 8279
Family
Father: Nicholas J. Wilhelm
Mother: Thelma Wilhelm
Brothers: Daniel Wilhelm & Nicholas J. Wilhelm
Sister: Marjorie Wilhelm
Wife: Mary L. Wilhelm
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