Memorial

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Maj. Melvin J. Robertson attended college.

He joined the Air Corps of the Regular Army in New York City, New York on 1 November 1941.

Flak was intense over the target. The aircraft was hit on the left side, close to the cockpit. It did a sharp wing-over to the left and than dove straight down for about 15,000 ft and then disintegrated.

Ten crew members were killed, one was survived and was taken prisoner.

Statement from Robert Lee Lynes, the only survivor: "I was a crew member of a B-17 (Waist Gunner) in the 305th Bomb Group, 205th Sq., based in Chalveston, England. On 2 March 1945, we were briefed for a mission to Chemnitz, Germany, but through a letter to my parents, I later found out that the target was Bohlen, Germany. Our target time was approximately 1100, our altitude was 25,000 feet and our air speed was between 150 and 175 miles per hour. We were hit by flak and I was immediately knocked unconscious. From what S/Sgt Philip Hester in the plane behind ours said, and a letter from the Squadron CO to my parents stated, flak hit the cockpit and the number one engine was knocked off the wing. Fire started, the plane did a left wing over and then went into a dive. I regained consciousness long enough to get out of the plane and pull the rip cord, than pass out again. We were approximately three minutes from the target when we were hit. The letter from the War Department to my parents stated that the plane did not explode or burn, but the bombs were still in it when I left the ship. I landed in a tree and gained consciousness long enough to release myself from the harness, fall out of the tree, and then pass out again. I was not an eye witness to the crash of the plane and cannot testify as to whether or not any of the others escaped. Later, however, I heard that there were two chutes seen that left the plane, but I cannot verify this. I think that everyone else was killed when the flak hit the plane".

Maj. Robertson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for an action on 16 November 1943. The citation stated:
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Navigator of a Combat wing od B-17 airplanes on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Europe, 16 November 1943. Shortly after starting on this long mission, most of which was over water, the radio navigation equipment on his aircraft ceased to function. In spite of adverse weather conditions and lack of important instruments, Captain Robertson led the formation unerringly to the target. He also assisted the bombardier in locating the target, which was exceedingly hard to identify as a result of a heavy fall of snow. After the target had been succesfully bombed, Captain Robertson skillfully navigated the formation backed to bases in England. The courage and high degree of technical skill displayed by Captain Robertson materially aided in the completion of an important mission and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the united States."