Deacon Joseph Melita, Radio Operator - S/Sgt in Lt. George Sandberg’s crew, 36th Squadron, 8th Air Force

 

I am so very sad to tell you that our friend and avid supporter, Gremlin Deacon Joe Melita, Radio Operator for the 36th Squadron’s Lt. George Sandberg’s crew, suddenly passed away on May 14, aged 95 years. Pam received the phone call from Joe’s daughter Nancy the day we left for England for our RAF 100 Group Reunion.

 

 

Deacon Joe (known as such for his 40+ years in the Roman Catholic Church) was a truly wonderful man whose contagious smile and kind words always enlightened your day. He had true concern for others, a kind heart and open mind. He not only served his country during World War II, he later gave great love to his family, church and community. He attended our 36th Bomb Squadron Reunions, always offering the Opening and Closing Prayers. It was not unusual for him to pick up the telephone and call just to see how we were all doing and chat. Joe loved all the ‘Confound & Destroy’ Gremlin news and was so thrilled that Heda Kootz honoured his crew by getting an A2 flight jacket painted like his B24 Liberator – ‘Lady in the Dark’. He was so proud of all the Gremlins. He now joins his crew in God’s blue heaven.

 

 

Our lives are greatly richer for our paths having crossed!

 

 

Lt. Landberg’s crew smiles

 

by Stephen Hutton

 

 

This article is from the Summer 2018 issue of Confound and Destroy