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name
SHELLITO, Robert D - Date of
birth
27 April 1921 -
Age
23 -
Place of birth
DuBois, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania -
Hometown
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
13132332 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
unknown -
Unit
C Company,
105th Engineer Combat Battalion,
30th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
29 October 1944 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Würselen, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| E | 5 | 75 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Coy N. Shellito (father)
Ruth (Ashenfelter) Shellito (mother)
Donna L. Shellito (sister)
James Shellito (brother)
John N. Shellito (brother)
More information
Sgt Robert D. Shellito enlisted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 28 October 1942.He had been overseas since 23 February 1944 and took part in the landing on the beaches of Normandy.
He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation reads: For gallantry in action on 3 October, in Germany. During the assault on the Siegfried Line, Sgt Shellito and a comrade volunteered to make a reconnaissance for a crossing site over the Wurm river. The are to be covered was in full view of formidable defenses within the line and Sgt Shellito was subjected to heavy concentration of enemy fire. Despite the dangers encountered, Sgt Shellito and his comrade courageously remained in the exposed area until the mission had been completed. The determined heroism and devotion to duty exhibited by Sgt Shellito reflects great credit on himself and the armed forces.
The comrade, mentioned in the citation was Pvt Joseph Veilleux, who was killed also and is also buried at Henri-Chapelle.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.ancestry.com - New Castle News / 1940 Census / Veteran Compensation Application File, www.oldhickory30th.com, http://www.30thinfantry.org, New Castle News (New Castle, Pennsylvania)
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Peter Schouteten, www.ancestry.com - Dubois High School Yearbook 1946