CPL Francis J. Mellett
Today we honor and remember CPL Francis Mellett of the 101st Airborne Division, who was killed in The Battle of the Bulge
On January 13, 1945, the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment began its assault when Easy Company attacked along the western edge of the Bastogne-Houffalize highway toward the nearby village of Foy astride the road. The town had been fought over since the German offensive began on December 16th, changing hands several times.
Easy Company fought to the edge of the village while meeting increased resistance. At 1115 hours, Item Company was sent up the road to help, but due to the lack of radio communication, friendly fire was coming at Easy from Item. This led Lieutenant Ronald Speirs to do his incredible run across the middle of the town, under fire from the Germans, to liaise with Item.
The attack continued, and at 1115 hrs., How Company joined the attack on Foy made by Easy and Item. After the town was taken, the paratroopers began sweeping the houses to clear out any remaining hostiles.
CPL Francis J. Mellett of Easy Company cleared buildings together with SSGT James H. “Moe” Alley Jr. When Mellett entered a building and peered through a window, a German sniper shot him in the chest. He fell back into SSGT Alley’s arms, where he ultimately died. The same sniper also killed PFC Carl C. Sawosko and PFC Kenneth J. Webb of Easy Company before SSGT Darrell C. “Shifty” Powers got the sniper with a shot right between the eyes.
Born in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on July 7, 1920, CPL Francis Mellett died at the age of 24. He was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery Grand Failly, France, at Section F, Row 2, Grave 42.
Tragically, Frank’s younger brother PVT John E. Mellett was killed in action with the 158th Combat Infantry in Luzon, the Philippines, two months later on March 12, 1945.
The two brothers were laid to rest next to each other in the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York, on Saturday, April 23, 1949. Besides their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mellett, the men left behind one brother, John E. Mellett, who served in the Navy during WWII.
CPL Mellett was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.
Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
Lest we forget! 🇺🇸
Source: Rendezvous with Destiny by Rapport and Norwood (p. 650)
Thank you Jos for Historical information 🫡🇳🇱🫡