Cpl. Matthew A. Melone

Memorial Square

Memorial has a large flag pole and a granite memorial block. It inscribed as follows:

CPL. MATTHEW A. MELONE

MEMORIAL SQUARE

HEADQUARTERS BATTERY

103RD FIELD ARTILLERY 43RD DIVISION

KILLED IN ACTION JULY 18, 1943

Memorial is located at the corner of Pontiac Ave. and Beckwith St.

The following information has been provide by his family:

Cpl. Matthew A. Melone was killed in action on July 18, 1943, just 2 months short of his 21st birthday.  

He was being transported on LST-342 from Guadalcanal to the Russell Islands, and heading to 

Rendova when LST-342 was hit at 1:30am by a Japanese torpedo (RO-106) and split in half about 

10 miles off the shore of Rendova.  The stern sank immediately, however, the bow remained afloat.  

Matt was believed to have been sleeping at the time below deck in the stern. The bow was eventually 

towed to Purvis Bay (Florida Island) to salvage parts and equipment. LST-342