Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Melvin
Wayne
Finch
POW (RVN) KIA
November 10, 1944

–

September 6, 1972

Cemetery:

Black Jack Cemetery

Melvin Finch was captured and taken Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia on March 30, 1972, and died in captivity on or about September 6, 1972. His remains were recovered and returned to the United States on August 14, 1985.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Laos)

    Action Date:

    July 2 – 22, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Melvin Wayne Finch, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in ground operations against a hostile force while serving as a Prisoner of War in Laos from 2 July 1972 to 22 July 1972. A fellow prisoner who was badly wounded fell from a log bridge while crossing a river and was in the water in a semiconscious state. Captain Find, though suffering greatly from extreme malnutrition, completely disregarded his own safety and greatly risked his life, by jumping into the water and rescuing his companion. Captain Finch’s extraordinary heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflects great credit on himself and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Laos)

    Action Date:

    March 30 – September 6, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Melvin Wayne Finch, United States Army, for meritorious achievement while held Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 30 March 1972 to 6 September 1972. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    20th Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1969
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 14899 (November 23, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Melvin Wayne Finch, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Battery A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 20th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Finch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 August 1969, while serving as aircraft commander during an enemy attack on Fire Base BECKY, Republic of Vietnam. When Captain Finch arrived on station and observed several heavy machine guns firing at other aircraft, he pressed his attack until all anti-aircraft positions were silenced. He then fired his fleshettes all around the besieged fire base, causing heavy enemy casualties. He coordinated all other aircraft in the area and provided cover for the badly needed medical evacuation helicopters. His quick response and commanding leadership were a deciding factor in the smooth coordination of all aircraft and evacuation of the wounded. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    March 30 – September 6, 1972

    Captain (Corps of Engineers) Melvin Wayne Finch, United States Army, was captured after he was shot down in Southeast Asia on 30 March 1972 and was held as a prisoner of war until his death in captivity on or about 6 September 1972.
    [Note: There is no evidence the POW Medal was actually authorized or awarded, despite his obvious captivity, nor is he listed by D.P.M.O. with other Vietnam War personnel.]

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    20th Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Melvin Wayne Finch, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Battery A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 20th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Finch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 November 1968, while serving as an Aircraft Commander of an Aerial Rocket Artillery helicopter during a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam. As he was flying support for an embattled infantry unit, Captain Finch exposed himself to the intense hostile ground fire as he flew at low altitudes to place accurate suppressive fire on the enemy emplacements. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Finch continued to engage the insurgents even though his aircraft was receiving enemy ground fire from several locations. His actions were responsible for the complete destruction of the hostile force. His outstanding fling ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    20th Artillery Regiment

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Melvin Wayne Finch, United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Finch consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.