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MSgt Melvin Rector, 94
U.S. Army Air Corps / WWII
Barefoot Bay (Sebastian), FL.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
The family of MSgt Melvin Rector has graciously requested the Patriot Guard Rider’s presence as they show their final respects for their loved one. MSgt Rector served his Country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
MSgt Rector served in the 96th Bomb Group in 1945 as a Radio Operator and Gunner on B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, flying eight combat missions over Germany during the spring of the war’s final year. On four of these missions, his plane came under heavy fire, once almost proved catastrophic, and the plane returned to base with holes dotting its wings.
After 71 years, MSgt Rector returned to England to re-visit the place he so honorably served during WWII. MSgt Rector toured Battle of Britain Bunker, an underground command center where fighter aircraft operations were directed during D-Day. After climbing back into the sunlight, he told those with him he felt dizzy. There, just outside the bunker, our Hero passed away. According to those with him, “He walked out of that bunker like his tour was done”.
MSgt Rector received a Memorial Service by the Royal Air Force and British Army prior to his repatriation to the U.S.
In 2011, MSgt Rector attended an Honor Flight to Washington DC, to visit the WWII Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown.
Please bring your 3 X 5 American Flags and join us as we stand in silent Honor and Respect for our U.S. Army Air Corp, WWII Hero and his family.
Link to Stars & Stripes article on MSgt Rector:
http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/wwii-b-17-gunner-revisits-england-dies-at-battle-of-britain-bunker-1.411512
Note: The family would like to be escorted from their home to the church. Immediately after the briefing, at 1020 hrs, we will ride to the family’s home and provide them with a short escort the church.
Flag Bikes strongly encouraged.
Itinerary:
First Baptist Church of Barefoot Bay
303 Barefoot Blvd
Barefoot Bay (Sebastian), FL., 32976
Map: https://goo.gl/AttyK1
Stage: 1000 hrs
Brief: 1015 hrs
Flag Line: As determined by Ride Captain
Service: 1100 hrs
Ride Captain: Thomas “Tat2Diver” Cook
RC Email: tat2diver@yahoo.com
RC Cell: 941-465-6488l