Melvin Schueneman, aged 25, was born on September 14, 1919, in Saint Clair, Michigan. His parents died within three months when he was a year old. Melvin lived with his grandmother until he was 16 when he went to live with his aunt. He entered the service in May 1942 and went overseas in Nov. 1943. He served in England from that time until his death.

Melvin served in the 363rd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group as a Staff Sergeant during World War II. A ground mechanics Crew Chief, he was killed in an aircraft crash over England on January 27, 1945, and now is buried in the Hillside Cemetery, Saint Clair, St. Clair County, Michigan, USA. His name is listed on the Leiston Airfield Memorial in England, but his surname is spelled "Shuneman."