Ronald W Reeves (1924 - 1945)

Born 29 Dec 1924 in Middleborough, Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States

Died 24 Mar 1945 at age 20 in Italy

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Biography

Ronald Reeves was Killed in Action during World War II.

Ronald Reeves is a Military Veteran.
Served in the United States Army Air Force 100th Fighter Squadron 1944-1945
Tuskegee Airman flying Ace

Ronald Reeves was awarded the Purple Heart.

Ronald was born in 1924 to John Astor Reeves and Elise Chapman. There isn't much information pertaining to either of his parents, nor his life as a youngster. He was born in MIddleboro, Massachusettes, but was living in Hartford Connecticut in December of 1942 when he completed his draft card. ^[1] He attended schools in Washington DC, graduating from Francis Junior High in June of 1939, receiving honors art. ^[2]He completed the Tuskegee Preflight course in Jan of 1944. ^[3] He received his commission as a second lieutenant in August of 1944. ^[4] and was assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron.

On March 25, 1945, Ronald departed Ramitelli Air Field in Italy on a penetration escort mission. Berlin, Germany was the target, and was one of the longest flight missions that the squadron would undertake. While on the emission, he andLt. Robert R. Robinson realized that they were low on fuel. Capt. William T. Mattison, squadron leader, heard one of them say "There a field, we'll land there" due to the fact that their planes were low on fuel. The position was believed to have been just past the Udine coast at the time the call was heard. ^[5]. There was no further communication from Ronald.

Ronald was declared Missing in Action until 1949, when a body that was buried as an unknown in Neuville temporary American Cemetery was identified as 2LT. Ronald W. Reeves. The body had been discovered near Koepnick, Germany, and transferred to Neuville years earlier.

At the request of his family, Ronald's remains were returned to the United States for burial on Marcy 23, 1950, in Arlington Cemetery.^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ WWII Draft Card Local Board No. 2B, Hartford County, Conn 31 Dec 1942
2. ↑ Evening Star, 21 Jun 1919, pg. 7
3. ↑ Evening Star, Washington DC 30 Jan 1944, pg. 30
4. ↑ Evening Star, Washington DC, 20 Aug 1944, pg 22
5. ↑ Missing Air Crew Report 13270
6. ↑ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49355928/ronald-w-reeves

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