Melvin Ray Roland

In Honor of Melvin Ray Roland

Melvin Ray Roland was born 24 February 1921 and was missing in action at sea, in the service of his country 7 December 1942 and declared dead 14 December 1943. Melvin was the son of Lewis Andrew and Marcella Mae McRunnels Roland. He was born in Bentonville, Benton County, Arkansas. Melvin was the first in his county to give his life for his country in World War Two. Joe Yates lost his life two days later and VFW Post 6344 is named in their honor. Both earned a medal they would rather not have earned – The Purple Heart.

Melvin Ray Roland served honorably in the WWII US Navy Armed Guard service. Melvin was assigned to: SS James McKay 1942

The SS James McKay was sunk and the Gunnery Officer and his 14 Navy Armed Guards were lost, as well as the entire Merchant Crew. There were no Survivors.

Picture of VFW Monument

Navy Armed Guard Killed in sinking of the SS James McKay

CA Cooley Joseph R. James McKay 12/07/42 S3c
IA McKone Francis A. James McKay 12/07/42 GM3c
IL Saliny Charles A. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
IL Schneider Cletus W. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
IN Ruckel Roy G. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
IN Speiser Walter C. James McKay 12/07/42 Ens.
MA Maloney William R. James McKay 12/07/42 S1c
MN Leuthard Charles J. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
MN Schmidt Roy James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
MO Roland Melvin R. James McKay 12/07/42 S1c
ND Self? Robert C. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
NY McGovern John B. James McKay 12/07/42 S1c
OH Shaver Frederick J. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
SC Ivey Robert L. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c
WV Sharp Phyllip O. James McKay 12/07/42 S2c