William R. Melton papers, circa 1920-2004, undated, bulk 1944-1990

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Summary

Creators:
Melton, William Robert
Abstract:
The William R. Melton papers are contained within the Tuskegee Airmen Archive. This archive consists of materials related to those individuals who served at Tuskegee Army Air Field, and its predecessors, as well as materials pertaining to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a non-profit organization. The William R. Melton papers are comprised of both print and visual materials including newspaper clippings, photographs, lithographs, books, documents, and correspondence. The materials within this collection primarily relate to the military service and history of the Tuskegee Airmen. Additional items regarding Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Melton's personal life, and aviation history are also included.
Extent:
24.15 linear feet (20 boxes, 2 flat file folders)
Language:
The collection is predominantly in English ; select materials in French .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [date if possible]. William R. Melton papers (MS 233). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.

Background

Scope and content:

The William R. Melton papers are contained within the Tuskegee Airmen Archive. This archive consists of materials related to those individuals who served at Tuskegee Army Air Field, and its predecessors, as well as materials pertaining to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a non-profit organization.

The William R. Melton papers are comprised of both print and visual materials including newspaper clippings, photographs, lithographs, books, documents, and correspondence. The materials within this collection primarily relate to the military service and history of the Tuskegee Airmen. Additional items regarding Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Melton's personal life, and aviation history are also included.

Photographs in this collection have been distributed into the appropriate Series. All photographic material can be found in Boxes 3-5.

A portion of this collection remains unprocessed. Please contact Special Collections & Archives for additional information regarding this material.

Biographical / historical:

William R. Melton was born on October 24, 1920. During World War II he enlisted as a pilot in what was then the Army Air Corps. On July 28, 1943 Melton graduated at Tuskegee Army Air Field as a Second Lieutenant of class SE-43-G. He was a member of the original 332nd Fighter Group, serving with the 302nd Fighter Squadron. As a fighter pilot, Melton flew more than one hundred missions in North Africa and Europe. He also became part of the initial group to volunteer for bomber training with the 477th Bombardment Group. Melton later served as a flight instructor and remained active with the Tuskegee Airmen throughout his life, serving as a public relations officer and historian for Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. William R. Melton died on September 2, 1999 at the age of 78.

Acquisition information:
The William R. Melton papers were acquired as a gift in 2006. Additional material received in 2009.
Processing information:

Processed by Gwido Zlatkes, Special Collections Reference Librarian, 2007. Revised by Eric Milenkiewicz, Manuscripts Curator, 2012.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized into five series as follows:

  • Series 1. African American history, 1986
  • Series 2. Aviation history, 1978-1989
  • Series 3. Military service and history, 1942-2004, undated
  • Series 4. Personal history, circa 1920-1984, undated
  • Series 5. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., 1974-1997, undated
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives. Distribution or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. To the extent other restrictions apply, permission for distribution or reproduction from the applicable rights holder is also required. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [date if possible]. William R. Melton papers (MS 233). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Riverside - Special Collections and University Archives
P.O. Box 5900
Riverside, CA 92517-5900, US
Contact:
(951) 827-3233
specialcollections@ucr.edu
Website