| Graduation Year | Class of 1966 |
| Date of Birth | Feb 27, 1947 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 26, 1967 |
| About | East Boxford resident who served in the Marine Corps. He was a rifleman in the First Marines, First Division in the III MAF. He was decorated posthumously with the Silver Star for saving the lives of wounded Marines at great risk for his life. "While attempting to reach the two remaining casualties, Corporal Melvin was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injury, he steadfastly continued to direct the fire of his squad until he succumbed to his wound" (Citation for Silver Star). Corporal Melvin was decorated with the Purple Heart Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals along with the National Defense Service Medal. In 1985, the American Legion Post in Boxford was renamed in his honor as well as the green in the center of East Boxford. He is honored on Panel 30E, Row 92 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James L. Melvin (MCSN: 2182214), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 26 November 1967, Company A was conducting a combat patrol in the vicinity of Con Thien when the Marines suddenly began receiving a heavy volume of small-arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire from a well camouflaged North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial moments of the fire fight, the friendly unit sustained several casualties and was pinned down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Melvin unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire and fearlessly moved about the hazardous area to maneuver his squad and direct their fire on the enemy positions. After directing suppressive fire at the numerically superior enemy force, which enabled the besieged Marines to maneuver forward, he alertly observed five wounded men lying in an area dangerously exposed to enemy machine-gun fire. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Melvin fearlessly ran forward, throwing hand grenades at the enemy while maneuvering toward his wounded comrades. Despite the intense hostile fire, he resolutely carried three injured men from the fire-swept rice paddy to positions of relative safety. While attempting to reach the two remaining casualties, Corporal Melvin was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injury, he steadfastly continued to direct the fire of his squad until he succumbed to his wound. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of his injured comrades. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Melvin contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Action Date: November 26, 1967 Service: Marine Corps Rank: Corporal Company: Company A Battalion: 1st Battalion Regiment: 1st Marines Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF Father is Leonard J Melvin & mother is Rose (Stevenson) Melvin Brother of Michael, Leonard, Christopher, Alanna, Rosemary, Kelly Ann and Margaret |
| Events | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70565503/james_leonard-melvin |
