World War II Honoree

Melvin Bevenue, Sr.

Hometown

Beggs, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL TO ENLIST IN MILITARY SERVICE. SERVED INITIALLY WITH THE U.S. NAVY AND LATER THE U.S. MARINE CORPS, INCLUDING OVERSEAS IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER. DUTIES PRIMARILY INVOLVED CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING BUILDING AIRFIELDS AND BUNKERS. WOUNDED IN ACTION AFTER BEING STRUCK IN THE HEAD WITH A BAYONET ON ONE OCCASION, AND SHOT IN THE LEGS ON ANOTHER. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE WWII HONORABLE DISCHARGE LAPEL PIN. AMONG THE FIRST VETERANS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A LAW PERMITTING VETERANS TO RECEIVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IF THEIR MILITARY SERVICE PREVENTED THEM FROM DOING SO.