Melvin Fred Ostrum

Melvin Fred Ostrum, 92, of Saint-Remy-sur-Avre, France, passed away June 24, 2009.

The eldest son of John Fred and Violet Lirenda (Barr) Ostrum, he was born Dec. 17, 1916 on Bryan Hill, Cameron County. Mel was better known as Flash, a nickname received because he was the fastest runner in his class in Emporium High School and because of his roller skating abilities. On June 6, 1945, he married Nadine Herlydo of Saint-Remy-sur-Avre, France, who survives.

Mel attended Emporium schools until two months before graduation in 1934, when he went to work to help support the family. About 1935, he joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). Later, after returning from a working tour of the West and Alaska, he worked at the local Sylvania Electric plant.

After Pearl Harbor, he joined the Army, receiving training first in the Signal Corps, then as a Medic and later with the Military Police. Mel served in the European Theater landing as a Medic on Omaha Beach on D-Day with the PA 29th Division while his brother, Keith landed on Utah Beach the same day. Later he was transferred to the Military Police.

In addition to the usual Army Medals for service in the ETO, in 2005, at the age of 88, he received the highest honor the French Government bestows, The French Legion of Honor. This honor was presented for both his military career and for the many contributions he made to the town of Saint-Remy-sur- Avre, where he served as supervisor of maintenance for the city water system, sewerage, parks, schools and streets.

Mel was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Nicole Corre of France; locally by his parents; a sister, Rose (Ostrum) Griffith; brothers Robert, R Keith and Samuel Ostrum.

He is survived in France by his wife, Nadine; a stepdaughter, Michelle; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and locally by a sister, Gladys (Ostrum) Miller and a brother, Ken Ostrum. both of Emporium.