World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Melvin J. Gardner
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Mesa, Arizona
Honored By
Ralph Bozorth
HE WAS A STAFF SERGEANT AND THE ENGINEER GUNNER ON THE 11TH B-25 BOMBER THAT TOOK OFF FROM THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS HORNET FOR THE DOOLITTLE RAID ON TOKYO, JAPAN APRIL 18, 1942. REMAINED IN CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER AFTER TOKYO RAID. KILLED IN ACTION ON JUNE 2, 1942 WHILE EN ROUTE TO KUNMING, CHINA AFTER BOMBING MISSION ON LASHIO, BURMA. DECORATIONS INCLUDE THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, PURPLE HEART (POSTHUMOUS) AND CHINESE ARMY, NAVY, AIR CORPS MEDAL, CLASS A, 1ST GRADE.