Ernest E Mellum

Pvt Ernest Mellum was killed in action on 12 June 1944, serving with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment. On the morning of 12 June 1944, the 2nd Battalion crossed the Vire River at 0645 hours as part of a task force and pushed west toward a cluster of houses northwest of Montmartin-en-Graignes, near Lison. The advance met heavy resistance, and the battalion suffered significant casualties during the fighting. Having become separated from Company C in the course of the engagement, the battalion withdrew back across the river to more secure positions on the opposite bank. Pvt Mellum was killed in action that day; the report does not specify the individual circumstances.