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William R. Melton papers
MS 233  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
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.
Background
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.
Extent
24.15 linear feet (20 boxes, 2 flat file folders)
Restrictions
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.
Availability
This collection is open for research.