World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Melvin Gaither
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Alton, Illinois
Honored By
Paris Williams
Relationship
Great Nephew
FOUGHT ALONGSIDE HIS BROTHERS, ONE OF WHOM WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN THE PACIFIC IN 1944. WAS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO ENLIST IN THE ARMY, SO HE LIED ABOUT HIS AGE. 16-1/2 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF ENLISTMENT. SERVED AS INFANTRYMAN WHO FOUGHT IN THE PACIFIC. RECEIVED THE BRONZE STAR AND COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE.