Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
Leroy
Melson
1904-05-25

–

1981-09-14

Born:

Richmond

, 

Virginia

Home:

Newport

, 

Rhode Island

Buried: 

Annapolis

, 

Maryland

Cemetery:

United States Naval Academy Cemetery

Charles Melson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1927. From 1958 to 1960 he served as the 40th Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1964 – January 1966
    Board Serial 2589 (December 23, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Charles Leroy Melson (NSN: 0-61457/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as President, Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, from August 1964 to January 1966. Dedicated to maintaining the academic reputation and prestige of the Navy’s highest educational institution, Vice Admiral Melson conducted several studies and made a number of significant representations to his superiors in the Navy Department which resulted in a re-definition of the mission and functions of the Naval War College; notable improvements in the curricula of the resident schools, academic planning procedures, educational methods, student research, and the structure and quality of the faculty; clarification and re-direction of planning for facilities development; and promotion of an overall Navy policy on professional education. At his urgent suggestion, a Committee of Advisors on the Naval War College has been appointed to conduct an annual objective examination of the College programs. Vice Admiral Melson’s leadership, professional competence, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    Destroyer Division 32

    Action Date:

    May 15 – August 5, 1944
    Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5704

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Charles Leroy Melson (NSN: 0-61457/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Division THIRTY-TWO, in action against enemy forces during advanced operations in support of the Allied Armies in Italy, from 15 May to 5 August 1944. Skillfully directing the operations of his ship from the time of the break-through to the Anzio Beachhead and continuing through the coastal advance northward, Captain Melson directed successful shore bombardments against enemy concentrations and installations; protected Allied coastal shipping lanes against enemy submarine and surface attacks; and supported advance minesweeping formations engaged in clearing heavily mined approaches to ports occupied by our forces despite repeated hostile aerial attacks. By his leadership, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Melson rendered invaluable assistance to the Allied armies in overcoming enemy resistance in their advance into northern Italy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Melson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    Destroyer Division 32

    Action Date:

    August 18 – 30, 1944
    Commander 8th Fleet: (October 19, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Charles Leroy Melson (NSN: 0-61457/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Destroyer Division THIRTY-TWO during the amphibious invasion of Southern France between 18 and 30 August 1944. By skillfully maneuvering his ship, and accurately directing their gunfire, Captain Melson provided effective support for the advancing ground forces in clearing the enemy from coastal positions on the right flank of the central assault area. Braving strong return fire, he conducted the shore bombardment with competence and vigor, silenced several enemy shore batteries, saturated enemy troop and tank concentrations and harassed the interior supply lines. His able participation in this action materially assisted in the expulsion of the enemy from Southern France and his prompt action and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Champlin (DD-601)

    Action Date:

    March 12 & 13, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Charles Leroy Melson (NSN: 0-61457/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in action against an enemy submarine on 12 and 13 March 1943, as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CHAMPLIN (DD-601). While escorting a convoy of merchant ships from the United States to Mediterranean ports, the CHAMPLIN made contact with an enemy submarine shortly after dark on 12 March 1943. Captain Melson led his ship in persistent and vigorous attacks by gunfire and depth charges throughout the night of 12 and 13 March with the result that the enemy submarine was sunk without inflicting any damage on friendly ships. Captain Melson’s bold action and skillful handling of his ship during this action, plus his vigorous direction and training of the personnel under his command, were directly responsible for the ultimate success attained in the destruction of an enemy submarine. His outstanding service and performance of duty in combat were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Melson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    April 8 – July 27, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Charles Leroy Melson (NSN: 0-61457/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NEW JERSEY, Flagship of Commander SEVENTH Fleet, and as Commander Task Group 70.1 during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 8 April to 27 July 1953. Throughout this period, Captain Melson discharged his many responsibilities with exceptional professional skill and leadership and effectively directed the gunfire of his vessel and the Task Group under his command during repeated shore bombardment missions against enemy installations along both coasts of Korea, inflicting widespread damage and destruction on supply lines, shore batteries, industrial centers and troop concentrations. During the months of June and July when the tempo of fighting increased along the main line of resistance, he skillfully maneuvered NEW JERSEY to lend close gun support to the friendly forces on the eastern terminus of the front lines which prohibited the enemy from launching successful attacks. By his expert seamanship, resourcefulness and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Melson contributed immeasurably to the success of friendly forces in Korea and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Melson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)