Memorial

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Sgt Melvin E. Gilmer enlisted at Fort Lewis, Washington on 12 January 1944.

The airplane was shot down by fighters.

Statement:
"At approximately (50°55'N - 11°55'E), 12 minutes before the briefed I.P. was reached, enemy aircraft made sudden attacks on the Group of which this aircraft was a member. The Squadron in which this aircraft was flying bore the brunt of the attacks. About 50 to 60 S/E and T/E aircraft comprised the attacking force. They were mostly FW-190's although a few ME-109's and ME-210's were observed. The attacks lasted for about 10 minutes and there were friendly fighters present, but not in sufficient numbers to give adequate protection. This aircraft was last seen going down in the vicinity of the I.P. Due to the extreme battle conditions prevailing, no further observations were made and no further information regarding this crew is known."

Sgt Gilmer was first buried on the edge of a forest, south of Wiehe.