Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of eleven awarded to Major Charles Duane Mellinger, U.S.A.F., a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ pilot of 385th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, who won the D.F.C. for commanding his formation in attacks against Regensburg, Bremen and Berlin, July to October 1944; he was later killed when a KC-97 Strato-tanker he was piloting crashed in the Adriondack mountains after suffering mechanical failure

United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, engraved ‘Charles D. Mellinger’, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Medal, bronze, with 3 clusters on riband, wrap brooch, engraved ‘Charles D. Mellinger’, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, one silver and one bronze star on Riband, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Army Good Conduct Medal, Bronze, engraved ‘C D Mellinger’, slot brooch, with top of box of issue; Korean Service medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; U.N. Korea Medal, in box of issue; Armed Forces Reserve medal, bronze slot brooch, in box of issue; National Defense Service Medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Distinguished Unit Citation badge, with second award cluster, generally very fine or better (11) £1,000-£1,400

Air medal awarded 22 September 1944, 333 B. Squadron, 94th Bomb Group:
‘For meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the air offensive against the enemy over continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by these officers and enlisted men on these occasions reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’

Air Medal, first cluster, 16 February 1945; 2nd cluster, 17 April 1945; third cluster, 29 May 1945, all for 385th Bomb Group and all the same standard citation.

Distinguished Flying Cross, 26 April 1945 (385th Bomb Group) for:
‘Extraordinary achievement while serving as commander in the air of group and squadron formations on heavy bombardment missions against the enemy. Captain Mellinger demonstrated outstanding airmanship while commanding his formations on successful attacks against Regensburg, Germany, 21 July 1944, against Bremen, Germany 26 September 1944, and against Berlin, Germany 6 October 1944, despite heavy accurate concentrations of anti-aircraft fire on each mission. The brilliant exercise of command displayed that Captain Mellinger was largely responsible for the success of these missions. His actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army Air Force.’

Charles Duane Mellinger was born on 16 November 1916, in Tacoma, Washington. He enlisted on 7 July 1942, becoming an Aviation Cadet on 19 December and after completing his training as a heavy bomber pilot, was commissioned on 3 November 1943. From June 1944, as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, he initially served with 333 Bombing Squadron, 94th Bomb Group and then 385th Bomb Group (H), 8th Air Force, flying from Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England. Returning to the U.S.A. in July 1944, he retired as a Major in 1946. Joining the reserve, he served until 4 June 1951, when he returned to active duty as a Supply Officer. On 14 June 1955 he resumed flight status as a pilot with 384 AREFS, WAFB, Mass. On 12 July 1956, he became Wing Logistics Officer, 4050 AREFWG, (Air Refuelling Wing) until killed in a flying accident on 22 January 1957, when the KC-97 Strato-tanker he was in crashed, near Griffith AFB , New York. All crewmen were lost.

Sold with an original letter, dated April 1957, from U.S.A.F. to his wife confirming entitlement to all above awards, which will be sent to her. Original award documents for the Distinguished Flying Medal and Air Medal with three clusters, both dated 1 February 1957; photograph of Air Medal presentation, the medal being pinned on to Mellinger’s breast, together with partial copy of service record and other copied research.