WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Merlin H. Reed, 27, killed during World War II was accounted for Dec. 5, 2025.
In early 1944, Reed served with the 546th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force. On March 9, Reed was reported Missing in Action after the B-17G Flying Fortress aircraft on which Reed was piloting was shot down north of Berlin, Germany. Witness stated the aircraft was hit by bombs, which tore off the aircraft’s tail assembly. Of the ten crew members onboard, two bailed out and survived, and eight were killed in the crash.
This is an initial release. The complete accounting of Reed's case will be published once the family receives their full briefing.
For additional information on the War Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving their country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil or on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa, https://www.linkedin.com/company/dodpaa, https://www.instagram.com/dodpaa/, or https://x.com/dodpaa.