1999-07-28 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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California when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Melvin worked at the plotting board to protect our country's West Coast and was on the lookout for unidentified aircraft. In December 1944, Melvin was sent to Texas for advanced infantry training to prepare with other soldiers as replacements for those who fought the Battle of the Bulge. Melvin said that was the saddest day of his life. He arrived in Europe in the spring of 1945 and joined his outfit on the German border. It was the 1st Division, 16th Infantry, or more famously known as "The Big Red One." Before Melvin arrived, this outfit had landed at Omaha Beach on D -Day. Melvin was glad he did not have to join them earlier because he probably would not have survived. Nevertheless, Melvin did fight in combat against the enemy. He was also able to serve as translator for the French civilians in Czechoslovakia who were displaced during the war. On the way home after the war ended, Melvin said, "the best thing of all was seeing the Statue of Liberty. I got a lump in my throat." He arrived home just before Christmas in 1945. Melvin was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the enemy during World War II. With the war behind him, Melvin took a well- deserved vacation before he went back to work. Melvin spent a year in construction and then went to work for the St. Paul Water Utility. For 39 years, he was in charge of the maintenance around the area lakes.