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Charles Leroy Melson Papers, 1921-1976: Finding Aid

Published in November 2020

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 553
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: Charles Leroy Melson Papers
  • Dates: 1921-1976
  • Size: 27.35 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 11 manuscript boxes, 11 flat boxes, 1 tube
  • Creator: Melson, Charles Leroy, 1904-1981
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: Charles Leroy Melson was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy and a member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1927. The Charles Leroy Melson Papers span from 1921 to 1976, with an emphasis on Melson's tours of duty in the United States Navy while a Midshipman, Captain and flag officer. The papers pertain to Melson's experiences at the United States Naval Academy as both a Midshipman and Superintendent, as well as his other commands, including the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, U.S. First Fleet, and Cruiser Division Four.

Biographical Chronology of Charles Leroy Melson

1904
  • Born on May 25 in Richmond, Virginia.
1923
  • On July 6, admitted to the United States Naval Academy as a Midshipman.
1927
  • On June 2, graduates from the United States Naval Academy and is commissioned an Ensign.
  • In August, attached to U.S.S. Trenton (Light cruiser: CL-11).
1929
  • In February, attached to U.S.S. Penguin (Rescue ship: ASR-12) as Executive Officer.
  • In May, transfers to U.S.S. Napa (Fleet tug: AT-32) as Executive Officer.
  • In June, attached to U.S.S. Canopus (Submarine tender: AS-9) of the Asiatic Fleet.
  • In July, attached to U.S.S. McCormick (Destroyer: DD-223).
1930
  • On June 2, promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade).
1931
  • In January, attached to U.S.S. Pittsburgh (Cruiser: CA-4) of the Asiatic Fleet.
  • In July, transfers to U.S.S. Du Pont (Destroyer: DD-152).
1932
  • In October, assigned to Naval Training Station, Norfolk, Virginia.
  • In December, attached to U.S.S. Dickerson (Destroyer: DD-157).
1933
  • In June, attached to U.S.S. Northampton (Heavy cruiser: CA-26).
1934
  • In April, assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School as a student.
1936
  • In June, attached to U.S.S. Pennsylvania (Battleship: BB-38).
  • On June 30, promoted to Lieutenant.
1937
  • In June, attached to the Thirteenth Naval District.
  • In September, attached to U.S.S. Patterson (Destroyer: DD-392).
1940
  • In May, assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
1941
  • On August 1, promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
1942
  • In February, assigned to the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
  • In July, assigned to the staff of Commander Service Squadron Nine.
  • In August, appointed Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Quincy, Massachusetts.
  • In September, assumes command of U.S.S. Champlin (Destroyer: DD-601).
1943
  • On July 16, promoted to Commander for temporary service.
1944
  • In January, assumes command of Destroyer Division 32.
  • In November, attached to the staff of Commander Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet.
1945
  • On April 19, promoted to Captain for temporary service.
  • In August, appointed Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Battleship Division Five.
  • In November, assigned to the staff of Commander Sixteenth Fleet.
1946
  • In August, assigned to the staff of Commander Atlantic Reserve Fleet.
1947
  • In June, assigned to the Naval War College as a student.
  • On August 7, promoted to Commander, to rank from June 22, 1938.
1948
  • In May, joins the staff of the Naval War College following graduation.
1949
  • On July 1, promoted to Captain, to rank form March 20, 1945.
  • In July, assumes command of Destroyer Squadron Twenty.
1950
  • In May, attached to the United States Naval Academy as Administrative Aide and Chief of Staff.
1952
  • In October, assumes command of U.S.S. New Jersey (Battleship: BB-62).
1953
  • In October, appointed Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Battleship-Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet.
1955
  • In February, assigned to the staff of Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as Assistant Chief of Staff.
  • On June 1, promoted to Rear Admiral for temporary service.
1957
  • In March, assumes command of Cruiser Division Four.
1958
  • On January 1, promoted to Rear Admiral (lower half), to rank from June 1, 1955.
  • In April, attached to the United States Naval Academy as Superintendent.
1959
  • On October 1, promoted to Rear Admiral (upper half).
1960
  • On March 16, promoted to Vice Admiral for servicing in billets commensurate with that rank.
  • In June, assumes command of the First Fleet.
1962
  • In May, assumes command of the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command.
1964
  • In July, appointed President of the Naval War College.
1966
  • On January 25, retires from the United States Navy.
1981
  • Dies on September 14 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Description of Contents

The Charles Leroy Melson Papers, comprising 27.35 linear feet of documentation, span from 1921 to 1976, with an emphasis on Melson's tours of duty in the United States Navy while a Midshipman, Captain and flag officer. The papers pertain to Melson's experiences at the United States Naval Academy as both a Midshipman and Superintendent, as well as his other commands, including the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, U.S. First Fleet, and Cruiser Division Four.

Included in the collection are photographs, postcards, scrapbooks, clippings, orders, letters, certificates, speeches, yearbooks, plaques, paintings, drawings, audio tapes, and motion picture film.

The Melson Papers are organized into four records series by document type. Series 1: General Files consists of general material spanning Melson's career in the Navy, such as orders, health records, and retirement materials, as well as invitations and letters from his time as Naval Academy Superintendent. A far larger proportion of the collection, however, consists of visual representations of Melson's career in the form of photographs and scrapbooks contained in Series 2: Photographs, Albums, and Cruise Books. These materials continue the documentation of many of Melson's commands, including his time as Naval Academy Superintendent and Naval War College President, as well as his commands of Cruiser Division Four, the U.S. First Fleet, and the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command. Series 3: Audiovisual Materials consists of reel-to-reel audio recordings of events from roughly the last fifteen years of Melson's career, as well as motion picture footage of naval maneuvers and life at the Naval Academy. Various certificates marking milestones in Melson's career, namely commissions and diplomas, can be found in Series 4: Certificates, Plaques, and Artwork. The series also contains paintings and sketches of Melson, complementing the photographic portraits found in Series 2.

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Arrangement

The Charles Leroy Melson Papers are organized into the following four series:

  • Series 1: General Files, 1921-1976
  • Series 2: Photographs, Albums, and Cruise Books, 1923-1971
  • Subseries 2a: Albums and Cruise Books, 1923-1971
  • Subseries 2b: Photographic Prints, 1923-1967
  • Series 3: Audiovisual Materials, 1959-1972
  • Subseries 3a: Audio Recordings, 1959-1966
  • Subseries 3b: Motion Pictures, 1961-1972
  • Series 4: Certificates, Plaques, and Artwork, 1921-1966
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Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Charles Leroy Melson Papers are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Playback of the materials in Series 4: Audiovisual Materials may require the use of a cassette player, reel-to-reel player, or motion picture projector, as applicable.

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Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Gunhild Cummings in March 1994.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Material

Official records from Melson's time as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy are available in RG 405.2.1 Entry 39b, Office of the Superintendent/Correspondence: General Correspondence, 1845-1989.

Materials Cataloged Separately

The following two books have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately:

Sweetman, Jack. The U.S. Naval Academy: An Illustrated History. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1979. United States Naval Academy. Class of 1927. 50th Beacon. 1977.

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Processing and Other Information

Charles Leroy Melson's papers were previously processed and housed with the Alumni/Memorabilia section of the Naval Academy Archives until November 2020.

Preferred Citation

Charles Leroy Melson Papers, MS 553

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in November 2020. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in November 2020.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • China -- Description and travel
  • Melson, Charles Leroy, 1904-198l
  • Naval War College (U.S.)
  • New Jersey (Battleship : BB-62)
  • United States -- Foreign relations -- Taiwan
  • United States Naval Academy -- History -- 20th century
  • United States Naval Academy -- Social life and customs
  • United States Naval Academy. Superintendent
  • United States. Navy. Cruiser Division 4
  • United States. Navy. Fleet, 1st

Genre Terms

  • Audiocassettes
  • Audiotapes
  • Certificates
  • Correspondence
  • Drawings (visual works)
  • Manuscripts
  • Motion pictures (visual works)
  • Orders (military records)
  • Paintings (visual works)
  • Photographs
  • Plaques (flat objects)
  • Postcards
  • School yearbooks
  • Scrapbooks
  • Visitors' books
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Contents List

Series 1: General Files, 1921-1976 Boxes 1-3

Series Description

Print documentation, both official and personal, spanning the length of Melson's career in the United States Navy. Specifically, much of the material is the product of Melson's commands of U.S.S. New Jersey, Cruiser Division Four, the First Fleet, and the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, as well as his tour as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. Included in the series are orders, letters, speeches, event programs, forms, leave requests, and health records.

Also included in the series are Melson's high school and Naval Academy yearbooks.

Series Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by document type and topic.

Box 1 Folder 1

Address by Madame Chiang Kai-shek, 1966 January 20

Delivered at the National War College.

Box 1 Folder 2

Biographical Sketch and Transcript of Naval Service, 1962-1964

Box 1 Folder 3

Budget Records, 1963-1966

Expenditures for special events for the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command and Naval War College.

Box 1 Folder 4

Change of Command and Retirement Material, 1964-1966

Material from Melson's relief as Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command and as President of the Naval War College upon retirement. Includes sheet music to a march written in Melson's honor, as well as the citation for his Distinguished Service Medal.

Box 1 Folder 5

Chinese Navy Vol. 17, No. 3, undated

Magazine featuring a Chinese translation of "Melson: Man of the Sea."

Box 1 Folder 6

Graduation Programs, 1960-1962

Commencement programs for UCLA and the Naval Postgraduate School.

Box 1 Folder 7

Health Record, 1955-1970

Box 1 Folder 8

Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the University of Rhode Island, 1966

Includes photographs.

Box 1 Folder 9

Mediterranean Cruise USS Mazama, 1967-1968, 1968

Cruise book from Melson's stepson, A. H. Cummings.

Box 1 Folder 10

Orders, Promotions, and Retirement Matters, 1945-1971

Box 1 Folder 11

Personal File, 1951-1964

Primarily orders, relief of command records, medical records, and social security records. Also includes a "History of the Second Korean Cruise of the Battleship New Jersey" from 1953, "History of USS Boyle (DD 600)," a history of Korean War operations by Jim Scholes, and dispatches regarding Chiang Kai-shek's preference for Melson to extend his tour in Taiwan.

Box 1 Folder 12

Personal File, 1962-1965

Primarily shipment of and damage to household goods between commands, as well as the purchase and maintenance of Melson's Chrysler New Yorker. Includes photographs.

Box 2 Folder 1

Personal Invitations, Rear Admiral Charles L. Melson, USN, Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy June 1958 - June 1960, 1958-1960

Includes invitations for events hosted by Chiang Kai-shek, Eugene Fluckey, Arleigh Burke, Carlisle Trost, J. Millard Tawes, Robert Carney, Thomas Gates, and numerous foreign ambassadors.

Box 2 Folder 2

Personal Letters, Rear Admiral Charles L. Melson, USN, Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy June 1958 - June 1960, 1959 February-1961 May

Primarily letters of appreciation and congratulations and invitation responses from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice President Richard Nixon, Chief of Naval Operations Arleigh Burke, Secretary of Defense Neil McElroy, Secretary of Defense Thomas Gates, Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Representative Henry Cabot Lodge, Marine Corps Commandant David M. Shoup, Vice Chief of Naval Operations James S. Russell, Cardinal Spellman, Milton Eisenhower, Governor Millard Tawes, Admiral James L. Holloway, multiple foreign dignitaries, and Captain Edward L. Beach underway aboard U.S.S. Triton.

Box 2 Folder 3

Pi Kappa Alpha Bicentennial History, 1976

Box 2 Folder 4

Records of Vedah Lee Jenkins Melson, 1962-1964

Box 2 Folder 5

Requests for Leave, 1927-1948

Box 2 Folder 6

Retirement, 1966-1968

Pay, insurance, and other financial matters.

Box 2 Folder 7

Ship Histories and Itineraries, 1951-1959, undated

Material on U.S.S. Albany (CA-123), Boston (CA-69), Boyle (DD-600), Canberra (CA-70), Champlin (DD-601), and Barton (DD-722).

Box 3 Folder 1

Yearbooks - The Lucky Bag, 1927

Features annotations by Melson.

Box 3 Folder 2

Yearbooks - The Marshallite, 1921

John Marshall High School, Richmond, Virginia.

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Series 2: Photographs, Albums, and Cruise Books, 1923-1971 Boxes 3-9, 21-20

Series Description

Photographs (both loose and in albums), scrapbooks, and cruise books offering a visual record of Melson's career, focusing largely on the latter portion of his career beginning with his promotion to Captain.

Series Arrangement

Organized into two subseries by document type.

Subseries 2a: Albums and Cruise Books, 1923-1971 Boxes 3-8, 12-19

Subseries Description

Photograph albums, scrapbooks, guest books, and cruise books spanning Melson's Navy career. While one early album focuses on Melson's time as a Midshipman at the Naval Academy and early career in Asia, the remainder are the product of Melson's tours with U.S.S. New Jersey, Battleship-Cruiser Force Atlantic Fleet, Cruiser Division Four, U.S. First Fleet, and U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, as well as his time as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy and President of the Naval War College. Included in the albums are photographs, clippings, and ephemera. Events typically depicted include receptions, base tours, and other special events.

Albums from Melson's time as Superintendent of the Naval Academy cover the visits of numerous distinguished visitors, Navy officers, and foreign dignitaries, as well as several sports dinners. Albums from Melson's command of the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command include photographs of many of the highest ranking military commanders of the Republic of China (Taiwan), as well as President Chiang Kai-shek. First Fleet albums pertain to fleet reviews and President Dwight D. Eisenhower's visit, in addition to other distinguished visitors.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by command/duty station, thereunder alphabetically by document type.

Box 3 Folder 3
Naval Academy and Early Career - Album/Scrapbook, 1923-1931, 1947-1949

Includes photographs of Naval Academy life and parades, transiting the Panama Canal, officers of U.S.S. DuPont, crossing-the-line ceremonies, Singapore, Bangkok, Saigon, and Halsey Powell receiving Dwight F. Davis aboard U.S.S. Pittsburgh.

Box 4 Folder 1
Commanding Officer, U.S.S. New Jersey - Cruise Book, 1953

Two copies of the story of the cruise of the USS New Jersey in Pacific water, 1953 covering operations during the Korean War.

Box 4 Folder 2
Commanding Officer, U.S.S. New Jersey - Guest Book, 1953

Includes the signature of South Korean President Syngman Rhee.

Box 4 Folder 3
Chief of Staff Commander Battleship-Cruiser Force Atlantic Fleet - Cruise Book (U.S.S. Albany), 1954

Single copy of U.S.S. Albany: flagship of COMBATCRULANT, Mediterranean cruise, 1954.

Box 12[OS] Folder 1
Commander Cruiser Division Four - Album, 1949-1957

Primarily photographs of receiving dignitaries at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Gibraltar; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Naples, Italy; Thessaloniki, Greece; and Izmir, Turkey, as well as a visit from Admiral Cat Brown. Also includes images from a Midshipman cruise to South America, changes of command, dinner parties fro the Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet, and U.S.S. New Jersey.

Box 4 Folder 4
Commander Cruiser Division Four - Album (Santos, Brazil), 1957 July

Primarily scrapbook of Brazilian newspaper clippings presented as a souvenir to Melson commemorating the visit of Cruiser Division Four and U.S.S. Canberra to Santos, Brazil.

Box 5 Folder 1
Commander Cruiser Division Four - Album (Santos, Brazil), 1957 July

Album of photographs, press releases, and Brazilian newspaper clippings presented as a souvenir to Melson commemorating the visit of Cruiser Division Four and U.S.S. Canberra to Santos, Brazil.

Box 5 Folder 2
Commander Cruiser Division Four - Cruise Book (U.S.S. Albany), 1958

Single copy of Albany Odyssey 1957-1958 covering operations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Box 5 Folder 3
Commander Cruiser Division Four - Cruise Book (U.S.S. Canberra), 1958

Single copy of U.S.S. Canberra en garde! : with NATO striking forces in the North Atlantic and the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, 3 September 1957 - 9 March 1958.

Box 5 Folder 4
Commander Cruiser Division Four - Guest Book, 1957-1958
Box 14[OS] Folder 1
Superintendent, United States Naval Academy - Album, 1958 June-1959 May

Photographs and clippings of Melson's assumption of command, receiving guests, the Football Dinner, and reviewing Naval Station men and midshipman dress parades. Featured are Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke, Governor Theodore McKeldin, Mayor Arthur Ellington, W. F. Bringle, Secretary of the Argentine Navy Adolpho B. Estevez, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Richard Jackson, Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gates, General B. R. P. F. Hasselman of the Netherlands, Admiral Walter F. Boone, Admiral Jorge Do Paco Mattoso Maia of Brazil, Crown Prince Constantine of Greece, Admiral Mitsugu Ihara of Japan, King Hussein of Jordan, Governor J. Millard Tawes, Admiral Manuel Zermeno of Mexico, Admiral Chang-chih Sung of Taiwan, Air commodore D. F. Spotswood of England, Pan American Coffee Queen Denise Prado, Rear Admiral Guillermo Haywood of Paraguay, Rear Admiral Vehbi Z. Dumer, Vice Admiral H. Page Smith, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Cecil P. Milne.

Box 14[OS] Folder 2
Superintendent, United States Naval Academy - Album, 1959 May-December

Photographs and Clippings of the Conference of Service Academy Superintendents, dress parades, Women's Club fundraisers, "Battle of Lake Erie" painting presentation, June Week activities, receiving dignitaries, the "N" Dinner, the Christmas Dance, and the dedication of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Featured are Admiral W. R. Smedberg, Captain William F. Bringle, Midshipman Robert M. Darby, Hisashi Imai of Japan, Thomas C. Hart, Vice Admiral Constantinos Tsatsos of Greece, Color Girl Susan Graham, General Abdullah Hedayat of Iran, Professor Earl Thomson, Rear Admiral Afir Tugrul of Turkey, Rear Admiral Carlos Larrazabal of Venezuela, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Cecil Milne, Air Chief Marshall Dawee Chullasapaya of Thailand, Rear Admiral Alcide Bardi of Italy, Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke, Vice Admiral Hans Alfred Nyholm of Denmark, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Richard Jackson, Vice Admiral H. P. Smith, Admiral Sir Charles Lambe of England, General Pedro Aramburu of Argentina, and Rear Admiral Rolf Johannesson of West Germany.

Box 14[OS] Folder 3
Superintendent, United States Naval Academy - Album, 1960 January-April

Photographs and clippings of the presentation of the Naval Academy Seal to the Mexican Naval Academy, John Marshall High School cadet graduation, the reception of dignitaries, the fall sports dinner, Melson's selection for First Fleet command, and the receipt of paintings from Ravel Inc. and a portrait of Chester Nimitz. Featured are Midshipman Alton K. Thompson, Admiral Jorge da Silva Leite of Brazil, Vice Admiral Yasumaro Taniguchi of Japan, Admiral Yue-si Ni of Taiwan, Gustavo Diez Delgado of Ecuador, Vice Admiral Refet Arnom of Turkey, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Fernandez of Costa Rica, Admiral J. S. Russell, and Rear Admiral Juan Francisco Torres Matos of Peru. Several clippings date from 1959.

Box 15[OS] Folder 1
Superintendent, United States Naval Academy - Album, 1960 April-June

Photographs and clippings of the winter sports dinner, dress parades, receiving dignitaries, Melson' visit to Mexico, and June Week. Featured are Admiral Arleigh Burke, General David M. Shoup, Under Secretary of the Navy Bentz, Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke, Henry Cabot Lodge, and Anchor Man George S. Grossman.

Box 5 Folder 5
Superintendent, United States Naval Academy - Guest Book, 1958-1960

Signatures of guests at the Superintendent's Quarters.

Box 13[OS] Folder 1
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album, 1959-1961

Photographs of the First Fleet Review, Navy League presentations at the home of Marion Davies, reviewing Marines with General Victor Krulak, President Eisenhower's visit to Coronado, and the 1961 Portland Rose Festival. Also includes photographs of June Week 1959.

Box 18[OS] Folder 1
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album, 1960-1962

Clippings covering Melson's assumption of command, Pacific Festival open house, President Eisenhower's visit to California, Naval Postgraduate School graduation, the Portland Rose Festival, the First Fleet's deployment to the Far East, U.S.S. Helena, President Kennedy's address to the Fleet, and the 1961 Fleet Exercises.

Box 18[OS] Folder 2
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album, 1960-1962

Photographs of various events aboard Melson's flagship and at Coronado.

Box 6 Folder 1
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album (Fleet Computer Programming Center Commissioning), 1961 July 1

Photographs, invitation, and commissioning program.

Box 6 Folder 2
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album (History of Quarters "D" Naval Station, North Island, San Diego), 1951-1971

Photographs and floor plans of Quarters D, as well as portraits and biographical sketches of Raymond E. Peet, Isaac C. Kidd, Bernard F. Roeder, Lawson P. Ramage, Ephraim P. Holmes, Robert T. S. Keith, Charles L. Melson, Clarence E. Ekstrom, Alfred M. Pride, Harold M. Martin, Thomas L. Sprague, Harold B. Sallada, Frank D. Wagner, and William K. Harrill.

Box 6 Folder 3
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album (President Eisenhower Visits Navy in San Diego), undated
Box 6 Folder 4-5
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album (U.S. First Fleet Exercise), 1961 November 18

Black-and-white album, as well as a color album exhibiting water damage.

Box 7 Folder 1
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Album (U.S. Naval Training Center San Diego), 1960

Copy of The Anchor class book with added album pages and photographs for the August 12, 1960 Recruit Brigade Review.

Box 7 Folder 2
Commander U.S. First Fleet - Guest Book, 1960-1961
Box 7 Folder 3
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album, undated

Photographs of a facility tour.

Box 15[OS] Folder 2
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Exercise AUMEE II, Volume I), 1963

Photographs of General Peng inspecting men and equipment, Brigadier General O'Malley, Lieutenant General Liu at Okinawa, inspection by Major General Chu, FCG Operations, an air-drop demonstration, and guerilla forces training.

Box 15[OS] Folder 3
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Exercise AUMEE II, Volume II), 1963

Photographs of Colonel Garrett of the Special Forces Group and Major General Lincoln at SFOB Okinawa, an American weapons exhibition, inspection of Chung Hsing Village, counter-guerilla operations, and briefings.

Box 7 Folder 4
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Farewell Party for the Melsons), 1964 June 15
Box 15[OS] Folder 4
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Paratrooper Exercises), undated

Includes photographs of Brigadier General Ellis W. Williamson.

Box 16[OS] Folder 1
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Pearl Wedding Anniversary of Vice Admiral and Mrs. Charles L. Melson), 1962 October 1

Presented by Admiral and Mrs. Ni Yue-si.

Box 16[OS] Folder 2
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Presented by Commander-in-Chief, Chinese Navy and Mrs. Ni Yue-si), 1962-1964

Photographs of meetings, receptions, the Chinese Naval Academy, Tsoying Naval Base, Sun Moon Lake trip, the Melson's 31st wedding anniversary, and Melson's farewell. Featured are Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang, Admiral Ni Yue-si, Admiral G. W. Anderson, Vice Admiral W. A. Schoech, Rear Admiral Chang Jen-yao, General Chiang Ching-kuo, Admiral McDonald, Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth, Admiral U. S. G. Sharp, Admiral Claude Ricketts, Ambassador Jerauld Wright, Vice Admiral Tsui Tze-tao, and General Peng Meng-chi.

Box 17[OS] Folder 1
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Presented by Lieutenant General Cheng Wei-yuan, Commandant, Chinese Marine Corps), 1964 June 1
Box 7 Folder 5
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1962 May

Includes the Seventh Fleet Conference and Melson's assignment to and assumption of command of the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command.

Box 7 Folder 6
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1962 May-June

Includes Melson's visit to Kinmen Defense Command, Nurse Corps Anniversary celebrations, Armed Forces Day, and tour of a Navy installation in Southern Taiwan.

Box 7 Folder 7
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1962 May-June

Melson's orientation tour of military installations in Taiwan.

Box 7 Folder 8
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1962 September-December

General Sutterlin's birthday, Admiral W. A. Schoech's farewell tour, Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA) meeting, reception for the Navy-Marine Corps Reserve Composite Company 5-48 (Congressional), and the Marine Corps Anniversary Ball.

Box 7 Folder 9
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1962 December

Visit by Vice Admiral Moorer, an address by Melson on combating the threat of Chinese Communism, visit by Air Force Secretary Eugene Zuckert, and a visit by Cardinal Spellman.

Box 7 Folder 10
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1962 December-1963 February

Navy-Marine Wives Club Christmas Party, Bob Hope show in Taipei, visit by Rear Admiral R. A. MacPherson, General Peng Meng-chi meeting with Admiral Harry Felt, and reception for Korean Ambassador LT General Kim Shin.

Box 8 Folder 1
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1963 February

Reception for Korean Ambassador Kim Shin, American University Club luncheon, dinner in honor of Admiral and Mrs. Ni Yue-si, "Top Brass" golf tournament with General Peng Meng-chi, and paratrooper exercises.

Box 8 Folder 2
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1963 February-May

Exercise Tien Bing III, Exercise Silver Blade, National War College Group visit, Scout-O-Rama at the Taipei Guest House, Presidential Tea Party hosted by President Chiang Kai-shek, opening of the Little League season, and visit by Assistant Secretary of the Navy J. H. Wakelin.

Box 8 Folder 3
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1963 May-December

Visit by Assistant Secretary of the Navy J. H. Wakelin, NACC Club party, Armed Forces Day, The American School graduation, visit by Admiral Harry Felt, visit by Vice Admiral Holmes with Admiral Ni Yue-si, visit by CNO Admiral David McDonald, and visit by Admiral Claude Ricketts.

Box 8 Folder 4
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1963 December-1964 May

Visit by General James F. Collins, visit by Vice Admiral John B. Colwell, meeting with Tsao Sheng-fen, Armed Forces Day reception, launch of The China Lantern newspaper, Melson's 30th wedding anniversary, Melson's appointment as President of the Naval War College, Jerauld Wright presenting the Legion of Merit to Major General S. K. Hu, and the Navy-Marine Corps Officer's Wives Club.

Box 8 Folder 5
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Unbound Album Pages), 1964 May-July

Armed Forced Day reception, opening of the new science hall at the Chinese Naval Academy, Eagle Scout awards, visit by Admiral Harry Felt, Navy-Marine Corps Officers Wives Club luncheon, and Melson's relief of command by Vice Admiral William Gentner.

Box 16[OS] Folder 3
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (USTDC Memory Album), 1962-1964

Featured are President Chiang Kai-shek, Madame Chiang, Minister of National Defense Yu Ta-wei, General Chiang Ching-kuo, General Peng Meng-chi, Admiral Ni Yue-si, Lieutenant General I Fu-en, General Hu Shu-kuang, Admiral Pei Yu-feng, Ambassador Jerauld Wright, Major General Kenneth O. Sanborn, Brigadier General Charles S. O'Malley, Brigadier General Gladwyn E. Pinkston, Captain Strauss S. Leon, Captain Robert B. Buchan, Captain George H. Whisler, Captain David Bryan, Andrew Headland, the American Embassy in Taipei, the Ministry of National Defense headquarters, the Grand Hotel, Tamsui golf course, Chung Shan Bridge, Taipei street scenes, Taiwan Defense Command headquarters, Brigadier General Boyd Hubbard, Brigadier General Frederick J. Sutterlin, Captain Edward C. McGowan, Colonel Milton M. Kaufman, Captain George Shaw-Corthorn, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff D. Smith, Colonel Arnold E. Rice, Commander James E. Bofenkamp, Captain Burton L. Bikle, Captain Herbert T. Schmidt, Lieutenant Commander Carl T. Hanson, Lieutenant Commander John C. Mackercher, Captain Charles Ward, Lieutenant Larry Wang, Lieutenant Glenn M. Beal, ADRC Alfred Locilento, ADR1 William E. Horstman, ADR2 James R. Henry, ADR1 Harold O. Thomas, YNCS Marvin D. Childers, BM1 Talmadge E. Highsmith, and Melson's quarters. Several photographs are inscribed to Melson.

Box 16[OS] Folder 4
Commander U.S. Taiwan Defense Command - Album (Visit to Naval Base Tsoying), 1962 December

Presented by Admiral Ni Yue-si, Commander-in-Chief, Chinese Navy. Includes a review at the Chinese Naval Academy and Staff College.

Box 19[OS] Folder 1
President U.S. Naval War College/Commander U.S. Naval Base Newport - Album, 1964-1966

Photographs and clippings regarding Melson's assumption of command, opening of the academic year, promotion and award ceremonies, the donation of busts of John Paul Jones and Matthew C. Perry, visiting dignitaries, the Seabee Ball, National Historic Landmark designation, various lectures, and Melson's retirement. Featured are Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Vice Admiral August Sorensson, Assistant Secretary of Defense Norman S. Paul, Senator Leverett Saltonstall, Admiral Ni Yue-si, General Wallace Greene, Admiral David L. McDonald, General Robert J. Wood, Lieutenant General Charles P. de Cumont, Vice Admiral Bernard L. Austin, Dean Acheson, Henry Cabot Lodge, Vice Admiral Lot Ensey, Vice Admiral Ephriam P. Holmes, Vice Admiral Vernon L. Lowrance, Vice Admiral Soong Chang-chih, Vice Admiral John S. McCain, Admiral Tomoharu Nichimura, General Earle Wheeler, Lieutenant General Nguyen Khanh, Vice Admiral Armando Julio de Roboredo, Admiral U. S. Grant Sharp, General Lyman L. Lemnitzer, Secretary of the Navy Paul Nitze, Arleigh Burke, Chinese Minister of Defense Chiang Ching-kuo, and Jerauld Wright.

Box 17[OS] Folder 2
President U.S. Naval War College/Commander U.S. Naval Base Newport - Guest Book, 1964-1965

Includes several calling cards.

Box 8 Folder 6
President U.S. Naval War College/Commander U.S. Naval Base Newport - Officer Candidate School Class Book (Seachest), Class 506), 1965 February
Box 8 Folder 7
President U.S. Naval War College/Commander U.S. Naval Base Newport - Officer Candidate School Class Book (Seachest), Class 602), 1965 August
Box 8 Folder 8
President U.S. Naval War College/Commander U.S. Naval Base Newport - Officer Candidate School Class Book (Seachest), Class 603), undated
Box 8 Folder 9
President U.S. Naval War College/Commander U.S. Naval Base Newport - Officer Candidate School Class Book (Seachest), Class 604), undated

Subseries 2b: Photographic Prints, 1923-1967 Boxes 8-9, 20

Subseries Description

Photographic prints, largely black-and-white, from various tours in Melson's career, with an emphasis on this time as a Midshipman at the Naval Academy and his time in China around 1929. The Naval Academy photographs focus on Academy buildings and grounds, as well as some aspects of training. Photographs from China focus on various temples, the Yangtze River Patrol, and streets scenes in Yantai and Shanghai. Included among the photographs are postcards.

Also included in the subseries are portraits of Melson and his wife Vedah, as well as photographs from Taiwan and the First Fleet.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

Box 20[OS] Folder 1
U.S.S. Albany (Heavy cruiser: CA-123), undated
Box 8 Folder 10
Asiatic Fleet Submarines and Tender, 1929 (approximate)
Box 8 Folder 11
Boston, undated

Postcard views of Boston, Paul Revere's ride, and the Gardner Museum.

Box 8 Folder 12
California, undated

Borrego Springs and San Diego street scene.

Box 8 Folder 13
U.S.S. Capitaine (Submarine: SS-336), 1961

Inscribed.

Box 8 Folder 14
Ceremonies, 1955 (approximate), undated

Includes Melson's promotion Rear Admiral.

Box 8 Folder 15
China - Chefoo (Yantai), 1929 (approximate)

Street and temple scenes, as well as a peace arch dedicated to "The Citizens of the United States of America Our Friends Across the Seas."

Box 8 Folder 16
China - Chinese Troops, 1929 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 1
China - Great Wall of China, 1929 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 2
China - Hong Kong, 1929 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 3
China - Locals and Villages, 1929 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 4
China - Nanjing, 1929 (approximate)

Postcard views of the grounds of the Ming Xiaoling mausoleum and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Box 9 Folder 5
China - Shanghai, 1923 April, 1928-1929 (approximate)

Images of the Bund, U.S. Marines on review, and Jessfield Park.

Box 9 Folder 6
China - Soochow (Suzhou), 1923 April
Box 9 Folder 7
China - South China Patrol/Yangtze River Patrol, 1929 (approximate)

Includes images of U.S.S. Penguin, Guam, Luzon, Helena, and Ashville, as well as the Italian destroyer Muggia, the Japanese cruiser Kuma, and several Chinese gunboats and torpedo boats.

Box 9 Folder 8
China - Temple of Heaven, 1929 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 9
China - Yangtze River Scenes, 1929 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 10
Church of the Nativity, undated
Box 9 Folder 11
Japan, undated

Postcard view of the Torii of the Suwa Shrine.

Box 9 Folder 12
U.S.S. New Jersey (Battleship: BB-62), 1952-1953 (approximate)

Includes images of the ship, as well as visits by South Korean President Syngman Rhee and Eighth Army Commander Maxwell D. Taylor.

Box 9 Folder 13
New York, 1923, undated

New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Grant's Tomb as seen during transportation to the 1923 Army Navy Game. Also included is a photograph of cadets in formation at what appears to be West Point. Also includes postcards of the Hotel Governor Clinton.

Box 9 Folder 14
Panama and the Panama Canal, undated

Includes postcard views of Panama City and Colon.

Box 9 Folder 15
Parades and Formations (General), undated
Box 9 Folder 16
People and Places - Unidentified, undated
Box 9 Folder 17
Philippines - Dewey Dry Dock, undated

Dewey floating dry dock at Olongapo.

Box 9 Folder 18
Philippines - Locals and General Scenes, undated

Includes images of carabao drawn carts, bangkas, and coconut drying.

Box 9 Folder 19
Philippines - Manila, 1929, undated

Includes images of the Walled City, Manila Hotel, Legislature Building, the Army and Navy Club, and Carnival at night.

Box 20[OS] Folder 2
Portraits - Arleigh Burke, undated

Inscribed by Burke.

Box 9 Folder 20
Portraits - Groups, 1953-1967, undated
Box 20[OS] Folder 3
Portraits - Groups (First Fleet Staff), 1962 April
Box 9 Folder 21
Portraits - Melson, 1961, undated

Also includes portraits of Melson's wife. Vedah Melson.

Box 20[OS] Folder 4
Portraits - Melson, undated
Box 9 Folder 22
San Francisco, 1936, undated

Includes a military parade up San Francisco's Market Street and postcard from the dedication of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Box 9 Folder 23
Ships - Unidentified, undated
Box 9 Folder 24
St. Simons Island, 1941

Postcard view of the Glynn County Casino and Lighthouse in Georgia.

Box 9 Folder 25
Turrets, undated

Possibly Maginot Line gun emplacements.

Box 9 Folder 26
U.S. First Fleet - Fleet Review, 1961 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 27
U.S. First Fleet - Pacific Mine Force Tour, 1961 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 28
U.S. First Fleet - Reception NAS Coronado, 1962 February
Box 9 Folder 29
United States Naval Academy - Athletics, 1925 (approximate)

Includes images of baseball, football, and tennis. Tennis images include shots of Bill Tilden.

Box 9 Folder 30
United States Naval Academy - Aviation Training, 1925 (approximate)

Images feature two seaplanes launching into the water.

Box 9 Folder 31
United States Naval Academy - Bancroft Hall, 1923, undated

Includes images of the Chapel dome and Tecumseh Court.

Box 9 Folder 32
United States Naval Academy - Bay and Yard Views, 1925 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 33
United States Naval Academy - Chapel, 1925 (approximate), 1946
Box 9 Folder 34
United States Naval Academy - Dahlgren Hall, 1925 (approximate)

Includes images of Thompson Stadium.

Box 9 Folder 35
United States Naval Academy - Macdonough Hall, 1925 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 36
United States Naval Academy - Mahan Hall, 1925 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 37
United States Naval Academy - Midshipmen, 1925 (approximate)

Image of midshipmen assembled at Gate 2, with James Brice House and an electric trolley in background.

Box 9 Folder 38
United States Naval Academy - Midshipmen Formation, 1925 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 39
United States Naval Academy - Midshipmen Practice Cruise, 1924, undated

Includes one image from Brest, France.

Box 9 Folder 40
United States Naval Academy - Miscellaneous, 1925 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 41
United States Naval Academy - Monuments, 1923, undated

Includes Tecumseh dressed for the 1923 Army-Navy Game and the Tripoli Monument.

Box 9 Folder 42
United States Naval Academy - Parades, 1924-1925, undated

Includes June Week 1924 and the 1925 Color Girl.

Box 9 Folder 43
United States Naval Academy - Practise Boats, Ships, and At Sea Training, 1925 (approximate)

Includes images of the Reina Mercedes and the yacht America.

Box 9 Folder 44
United States Naval Academy - Rifle Practice, 1925 (approximate)
Box 9 Folder 45
United States Naval Academy - Superintendent's Quarters, 1958
Box 9 Folder 46-47
U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, 1962-1964 (approximate)

Photographs of receptions and facility tours, as well as several portraits.

Box 9 Folder 48
Winston-Salem, 1944

Postcard view of Fourth Street.

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Series 3: Audiovisual Materials, 1959-1972 Boxes 9-11, 21

Series Description

Audio and visual recordings of events from Melson's career, as well as professionally produced content.

Series Arrangement

Organized into two subseries by media type.

Subseries 3a: Audio Recordings, 1959-1966 Boxes 9-11

Subseries Description

Audio recordings of various speeches by Melson, Naval War College events, a change of command ceremony, a farewell party, popular songs by Oscar Brand, and the 1962 Bob Hope Christmas Show. Included in the subseries are reel-to-reel magnetic tapes and cassette duplicates for all items with the exception of the Bob Hope Christmas Show, Oscar Brand recordings, and the Naval War College Global Strategy Discussions.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by recording date.

Box 9 Folder 49
Conjunto de Cuerdas de la Marine de México, 1959 December

Selection of Mexican popular and naval songs.

Box 9 Folder 50
Bob Hope Christmas Show, 1962

Presumably recorded in Taiwan.

Box 10 Folder 1
Bob Hope Christmas Show, 1962

Presumably recorded in Taiwan.

Box 10 Folder 2
Farewell Party for the Melsons By the Terrible 3, 1964 June 15

Recordings of speeches and entertainment at the event.

Box 10 Folder 3
Change of Command, Taiwan Defense Command, 1964 July 6

Prepared by Armed Forces Radio Taiwan.

Box 10 Folder 4
Vice Admiral Melson Speech to Destroyer School, 1965 March 11
Box 10 Folder 5
Admiral Melson's Welcoming Address to New Student Body, Naval War College, 1965 August 13
Box 10 Folder 6
Naval War College 17th Global Strategy Discussions, 1965 (approximate)
Box 10 Folder 7
Naval War College March, 1966 January 24

Composed by Larry E. Harrington, MUC, USN, dedicated to Vice Admiral Melson.

Box 11 Folder 1
Retirement Ceremony for Vice Admiral Melson, 1966 January 24
Box 11 Folder 2
Oscar Brand Recordings, undated

Includes recordings of "Wild Blue Yonder," "Every Inch a Sailor," and "Power Boat Squadron."

Box 11 Folder 3
Speech of Officer Candidate School, undated

Subseries 3b: Motion Pictures, 1961-1972 Boxes 11, 21

Subseries Description

16mm motion pictures, some black-and-white and some color, of aircraft carrier and battleship maneuvers, as well as a copy of Ring of Valor depicting life at the United States Naval Academy.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by title or topic.

Box 21[OS] Folder 1
Battleships Underway in Formation, 1972, undated

Undated film of U.S.S. Iowa, U.S.S. New Jersey, U.S.S. Wisconsin, and U.S.S. Missouri with 1972 shipping invoice.

Box 11 Folder 4
Kitty Hawk Maneuvers, 1961 November

Maneuvers involving U.S.S. Kitty Hawk.

Box 21[OS] Folder 2
Ring of Valor, 1966 (approximate)
Box 21[OS] Folder 3
Special Report, undated

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Series 4: Certificates, Plaques, and Artwork, 1921-1966 Boxes 11, 18-20, 22-23

Series Description

Certificates, plaques, and artwork pertaining to Melson and his career. The certificates and plaques pertain largely to milestones in Melson's Navy career, such as his various commissions, graduations, retirement, and equator crossings, as well as several awards, while the artwork largely consists of various depictions of Melson. Included in the series are appointment certificates, diplomas, citations, membership certificates, paintings, and caricatures.

Series Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by document type, thereunder by topic.

Box 20[OS] Folder 5

Artwork - Caricatures and Comics, 1957, undated

Caricatures of Melson, as well as a biographical comic signed by Mario Demarco.

Box 19[OS] Folder 2

Artwork - "Commissioned Officer' Mess (Open)", undated

Mural paintings by Larry O'Toole.

Box 18[OS] Folder 3

Artwork - Portraits, undated

Includes a charcoal drawing of Melson by he stepson, J. A. Cummings, a graphite portrait signed Loughlin, and a painting of Melson adorned with newspaper headline clippings from his time as Naval Academy Superintendent.

Box 23[OS] Folder 1

Artwork - Portraits, undated

Portrait of Melson in Imperial Chinese dress. Original housing labeled "Gen'l Peng," indicating a possible gift form General Peng Men-chi.

Box 20[OS] Folder 6

Certificates - Appointments and Commissions, 1923-1958

Appointment certificates as Midshipman, Midshipman Lieutenant, Commander, Captain, and Rear Admiral.

Box 11 Folder 5

Certificates - Appointments and Commissions, 1927-1970

Appointment certificates as Ensign and Lieutenant, as well as retirement certificate and various cover letters.

Box 22[OS] Folder 2

Certificates - Appointments and Commissions, 1928-1966

Appointment certificates as Ensign, Lieutenant (junior grade), Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Vice Admiral, and Vice Admiral (retired).

Box 11 Folder 6

Certificates - Awards, 1964

Joint Service Commendation memo.

Box 20[OS] Folder 7

Certificates - Awards, 1964

Joint Service Commendation certificate and Medal of Cloud and Banner with Grand Cordon (Republic of China) certificate.

Box 23[OS] Folder 2

Certificates - Awards (Storage Tube), undated

Silk covered storage tube bearing the emblem of the Republic of China.

Box 22[OS] Folder 3

Certificates - Diplomas, 1921-1927

John Marshall High School and United States Naval Academy.

Box 20[OS] Folder 8

Certificates - Diplomas, 1927-1938

United States Naval Academy (Bachelor of Science).

Box 11 Folder 7

Certificates - Diplomas, 1948-1966

Naval War College Senior Course and University of Rhode Island Doctor of Laws (honorary).

Box 20[OS] Folder 9

Certificates - Memberships, 1923-1957

Pi Kappa Alpha and three Domain of Neptunus Rex (crossing-the-line) certificates.

Box 22[OS] Folder 4

Certificates - Memberships, 1930

Domain of Neptunus Rex (crossing-the-line) certificate.

Box 11 Folder 8

Certificates - Memberships, 1961-1964, undated

Naval Institute, NAMRU-2 Alumni Association, and Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Box 11 Folder 9

Plaques - Naval War College/Naval Base Newport, 1966, undated

Commemorative retirement plaque and three-star door plate.

Box 22[OS] Folder 1

Plaques - U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, 1964

In appreciation of Melson's service, presented by Lieutenant General Wang To-nien.

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