Melvin enlisted in the U.S.Army before the war. He joined on
December 5, 1940 at the age of 18.
After basic training, Melvin was shipped along with other
members of the famous 2nd Infantry Division to England in
preparation for the invasion of France. The 2nd Infantry Division
went overseas on October 10, 1943. It participated in the campaigns in the Ardennes-Alsace,
Central Europe, Normandy and the Rhineland in Germany. The division saw a total
of 303 days of combat.
His job was that of a mess sergeant and eventually attained
the rank of Technical Sergeant. He landed on Normandy beach on June 6, 1944. It
has been said that an army travels on its stomach and Melvin’s job as a mess sergeant
was very important and many times were subjected to fire from the enemy.
In December 1944 the German army made a last ditch offensive
into an area called the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. It was thought at one time
that mechanized forces couldn’t penetrate the heavily wooded area. The Panzer’s
proved everyone wrong with an offensive that almost succeeded. The American’s
fought back with everyone it could get that could hold a rifle. Melvin was one
of many so-called support troops that were wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.
For this he was awarded the Purple Heart.
He also was awarded two Bronze stars for his service, and
was involved in five major campaigns in Europe during the war. He also received
the Good Conduct medal.
Melvin was discharged on May 5, 1945.
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