“A Symphony of History and the Cosmos:
The Story of T Corona Borealis and Dominick H. Melillo, Jr.”
Eighty years ago, a 16-year-old amateur astronomer named Michael Woodman discovered something extraordinary—an exploding star system, 3,000 light years away, called T Corona Borealis, or T Cor Bor. Now, 80 years later, like a celestial clock, the resurgence of that phenomenon aligns precisely with these dates:
18 - 22 JAN 1945-2025.
I define "SYNC" as events that defy coincidence, weaving connections too profound to dismiss. This convergence of history and the stars, is SYNC incarnate.
On 18 JAN, I shared the story of Sam Ring, a tale steeped in resilience and humanity. Today, as we approach the 80th anniversary of Dominick H. Melillo’s death during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, I share this brief account, hoping that always in the corner of your mind, you accompany each phrase and thought with an “exploding star system”.
Battle of the Bulge: 5th Division. As if Exploding Star Systems were not enough, Dominick fought from 21 DEC 1944 in Diekirch and was KIA near the current location of the Artikuss Theater, where we recorded STORMWORKS Chapter 89, live with the Luxembourg Military Band. Prior to that SYNC concert of SYNC Music, I had only known that Dominick was buried at the American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg, with George S. Patton.
I discovered much more later. He was KIA on 22 JAN 1945. Fighting had pushed the 5th Division up the Alzette River towards Esch and Sanem, Soleuvre, (where the Artikuss Theatre is based). It was at Diekirch, where the 5th Division began their Battle. And it was at a train-stop at Diekirch, without yet knowing Dominick’s story, that I said, "Everything reminds me of the War, of World War II".
As I reflect on these SYNC moments—of an exploding star system’s well-timed reemergence and the anniversary of Dominick’s ultimate sacrifice—I am reminded that history, like the cosmos, moves in cycles (STORMSpirals). Both the explosions of stars and the courage of those who fought for Freedom leave echoes that resonate through Time. One day, I will return to Luxembourg to retrace Dominick’s steps, this time knowing his story under the light of an exploding star.
Dominick H. Melillo 1945-01-22
46th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division
Army
"One of the units which had been with Patton since the formation of the Third Army, was the 5th Infantry "Red Diamond" Division under the command of Maj. Gen. Leroy "Red" Irwin. The 5th was a part of XX Corps, which was often referred to by the Germans as Patton's "Ghost Corps" because of its ability to suddenly appear out of nowhere and inflict great pain.
The 5th was often at the tip of Patton's spear as he plowed through France. The Men of the 5th had moved farther east than any American division in WWI and had been dubbed the "Red Devils" by the Germans in 1918. It would maintain that fearsome reputation in WWII.
When the Battle of the Bulge erupted on December 16th, the 5th was far to the southeast, engaged in intense street fighting in Saalautern and struggling to gain control of the bridgehead over the Saar River that would take it right into Germany proper.
On December 21st, the 5th was detached from Maj.Gen.Walton "Bulldog" Walker's XX Corps and assigned to Maj. Gen. Manton Eddy's XII Corps. It was to be sent northwest toward Diekirch to engage the Germans there and liberate the town.
The Men of the 5th were loaded onto trucks, tanks, jeeps, or simply walked as they moved into Luxembourg, without sleep or hot chow. Meanwhile, Patton would use his beloved 4th Armoured Division, with the 26th and 80th Infantry Divisions in support, to swing wide to the left and make an end run to Bastogne to break through to the 101st Airborne.
By December 21, the American situation in northern Luxembourg was becoming desperate..."
T4 Melillo was one of the 38 American soldiers killed during the fierce fighting at sub-zero temperatures to recapture the town of Hoscheid, Luxembourg. His name is commemorated on the Peace Garden information boards located at Hoscheid, Luxembourg.
“T4 Dominick H Melillo Jr. enlisted in New Haven, Connecticut on 16 April 1943.
(This year is the 100th Anniversary of PEPE’s in New Haven and why I posted it. I am SURE Dominick and I both went to PEPE’s, without ever knowing it.)
