Robert J. Meder

Robert John Meder (b. August 23 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio - d. December 1 1943 in Kiangwan Prison, Nanking, China) was a member of the "Doolittle Raiders," which were the first American forces to attack the Islands of Japan in World War II.

Meder was a graduate of Miami University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Miami's squadron of the Arnold Air Society, the Air Force ROTC honor society is named the Robert J. Meder Squadron in his memory.

Lt. Meder was co-pilot on the sixth plane to take off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet on April 18 1942. Following their bombing run, he and his crew crash-landed off the coast of China and were captured by the Japanese.

He died of malnutrition and beri-beri on December 1 1943 while still in captivity. He was cremated by the Japanese and his ashes were located after the war returned home for burial in Section 12, Site 159 of Arlington National Cemetery on January 17 1949. Meder's military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and Chinese Breast order of Pao-Ting.

An extremely compelling story of Meder's experience is related in the 1947 book, "Deadline Delayed" in a chapter titled "Tea and Ashes" by NBC's Irene Kuhn, a member of the Overseas Press Club of America.

External links

* [http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rjmeder.htm Arlington headstone photo]
* [http://www.doolittleraider.com/raiders/meder.htm Meder page from doolittleraider.com]
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