Memorial

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Robert L. Ameno graduatd from Fordham University, New York City in 1937 and worked as a reporter.
He enlisted at Camp Upton, New York on 9 January 1942.

On 30 December 1944, Combat Command B, to which B Company was assigned at that time, was ordered to attack the south flank of the 'Bulge' from a northerly position. What they did not realize was that they were attacking into a simultaneous German counter attack that was intended to. close the narrow corridor that had been opened into the Bastogne perimeter from the south.
The nearby villages of Lavasalle and Houmont were successfully liberated but they suffered significant casualties.

Early in the action the Sherman tank of Capt Ameno and another one, nicknamed 'Barracuda', commanded by S/Sgt Wallace Alexander had become separated from the rest of their unit. They decided to move north to try and find them and headed towards the village of Renuamont, not realizing that this was German held territory.
This village was held by the Fuhrerbegleitbrigade. When the two tanks were discovered they came under concentrated fire.
Capt Ameno's tank was destroyed, killing him and four members of his crew. The fifth crewman was wounded, but died in captivity a short time later.

'Barracuda' was also knocked out. S/Sgt Alexander was severely wounded, two other crew members were lightly wounded and two men were unarmed. This second tank is now on display in the McAuliffe Square in Bastogne.