MELVIN J KILLIAN
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HONORED ON PANEL 2E, LINE 99 OF THE WALL

MELVIN JOSEPH KILLIAN

WALL NAME

MELVIN J KILLIAN

PANEL / LINE

2E/99

DATE OF BIRTH

01/31/1922

CASUALTY PROVINCE

NZ

DATE OF CASUALTY

09/30/1965

HOME OF RECORD

COUNCIL BLUFFS

COUNTY OF RECORD

Pottawattamie County

STATE

IA

BRANCH OF SERVICE

AIR FORCE

RANK

COL

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Contact Details

REMEMBRANCES

LEFT FOR MELVIN JOSEPH KILLIAN
POSTED ON 4.27.2016

Final Mission of COL Melvin J. Killian

COL Melvin J. Killian was a USAF pilot attached to 334th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which he served as its commanding officer. It was based at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand. On September 30, 1965, COL Killian led a flight of F-105 aircraft against a highly significant military target. COL Killian proceeded on an unerring course to the target area. Arriving ahead of the main flight, he began an aerial survey of the area in order to give final navigational assistance to the incoming flight. Although subjected to intensive hostile ground fire, COL Killian flew his aircraft over the gun emplacements while giving encouragement and directions as each pilot braved the withering ground fire. His overwhelming desire for successful mission completion, and his concern for the safety of each pilot forced him to disregard his own personal safety while continuously flying within range of the ground fire. His aircraft was struck by a SA-2 missile and brought down. COL Killian was killed and his body was not recovered. Nearly twenty years later, on March 20, 1985, his remains were repatriated and positively identified. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery where he lies beside his wife and 2 sons. [Taken from arlingtoncemetery.net]
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POSTED ON 1.31.2016
POSTED BY: Melody Moss

Melvin J. Killian

Never forgotten. All the time brave things you did for your men, and the metal you won. Even though, you are listed as MIA, I hope your family were able to find peace. Thank you for your service to all Americans.
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POSTED ON 9.21.2013
POSTED BY: Curt Carter

Remembering An American Hero

Dear Colonel Melvin Joseph Killian, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter
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POSTED ON 3.23.2012

Photo

God Bless
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POSTED ON 8.18.2011
POSTED BY: Jim and Tom Reece

Salute to a Vietnam Veteran

You gave your life for your Country, and for this we Salute You.
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