Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Melvin Rector.

Melvin served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator on B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. He served with 96th Bomb Group flying missions over Europe.

Melvin served his country from 1943 to 1951.

On May 6, he took a trip to England for a tour of World War II sights and locations he served. The last time he had seen the country was during his service in 1945.

His tour of WWII sites started at the Battle of Britain Bunker in the Uxbridge area of London. As he walked out of the bunker, he told his friend he was feeling dizzy. He quietly passed away there outside the bunker.

The Royal Air Force, U.S. Air Force, and historians in London attended and participated in his funeral with military honors.

We honor Melvin’s service.

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2 Comments

  1. GEORGE W DURMAN June 4, 2016 at 20:29

    Does anyone know the names of MSgt Melvin Rector’s parents? I would like to add his family to the Germanna Colonies database at Ancestry.com

    Thank you,
    MSgt (Ret), USAF
    George W. Durman

  2. Roger Cole May 29, 2016 at 17:07

    Melvin Rector.

    To the family of Melvin Rector. As a Brit born well after the war. Like many men who service in the US Army Air Corp here in the UK during that time and gave there lives for freedom.

    Thank You.

    Roger Cole

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