The Military History of Heidi Laureano’s Family

Robert Kenneth “Ken” Melick – Father

March 11, 1926 – August 27, 2012

Active Service: March 16, 1944; Honorable Discharge April 13, 1946; Officially discharged January 30, 1950.

United States Army – Technician Fifth Grade 393^rd Infantry, 99^th Division – Clerk Typist, Translator (German)

Private First Class

ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program) program

Fought in WWII; the Battle of the Bulge; Attacked crossing the Ludendorff Bridge in Remagen, Germany (sole survivor of his platoon)

Citations:

EAME Theatre Ribbon w/2 Bronze Stars

(The EAME (European-African-Middle Eastern) Campaign Ribbon with two bronze stars indicates participation in three designated campaigns within the EAME Theater during World War II. The EAME Campaign Medal was awarded to those who served in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1945. Bronze stars on the ribbon signify multiple campaign participation, with each star representing one additional campaign.)

American Theatre Ribbon (It was awarded to service members who served in the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946.)
Good Conduct Medal
Victory Medal World War II

Robert Kenneth Melick, US Army, World War II

Veteran oral history interview published by the New York State Military Museum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldzrYcx8_Jg

Raymond Jay Melick – Uncle

May 28, 1919 to July 29, 2001

Serviced from January 2, 1945 to May 8, 1945

Staff Sargent

U.S. Army, 83^rd Infantry Division (Thunderbolt) 331 Infantry Regiment

Citations:

Bronze Star

Joseph S. Colonese – Uncle

December 21, 1921 to January 9, 1985

Total Service – 1941 to 1960

United States Navy, pre-invasion Reconnaissance, Pacific Theatre, WWII

Bosun’s Mate

Boxed for the Navy, won 3 Golden Gloves and 2 Diamond Gloves ~ never defeated. (Pre-war)

Close Quarters Battle (CQB – refers to combat engagements within close proximity, often inside confined spaces. It involves using tactics and techniques to engage an enemy in a short-range, often intense, firefight. CQB is a critical skill set for special operations units, counter-terrorism units, and other military personnel who operate in such environments.)

Engineering Specialist

U.S. Navy Seabees

Captain, Army ROTC

Citations:

Received several Purple Hearts