LTC Melvin D. Tate 
Served in Three Wars: W.W.II, Korea, and Vietnam 

Melvin D. Tate was born in Binger, OK, the son of Anna Cabbiness and (Col) C.V. Tate. (His dad was called Colonel not for of military service, but because he was an auctioneer). His parents ran a general mercantile store in Binger. He graduated from Binger High School and was attending the University of Oklahoma studying pharmacy when W.W. II began.

After Pearl Harbor, Melvin dropped out of Pharmacy School and joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. He began his military career as a S/Sgt Pilot as an artillery spotter. He first served in Europe with the 258th FA Bn of the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels Division). After the war he returned to the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and finished the work for his degree in August 1947 (Degree granted in 1948).

He owned drug store in Bristow, Oklahoma from 1947 to 1949. He sold the store and was working at a Pharmacy in Ft.Worth, TX when he was recalled to active duty in 1950. He served with the 2nd. Infantry Division in Korea and at I Corps Hdq. After the Korean war, because of his love of flying, he stayed in the Army rather than going back to Pharmacy. He logged over 6000 flying hours during his distinguished career.

He was awarded many decorations: The Silver Star; a Bronze Star for Valor; A Bronze Star for Outstanding Service; 12 Air Medals; two Army commendations medals; 2 national Defense Service Medals; Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal; Five Battle Stars for Europe (1. Normandy, 2. Rhineland,

3. Northern France, 4. Ardens-Alsace, 5. Central Europe); Two battle Stars for Korea (1. United Nations Summer/Fall, 2. Korean winter). Two Presidential Unit Citations (258 FA Bn. & 2nd. Armored Div.); Vietnam Campaign Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation as CO of 92nd. Avn. Co., Vietnam; Senior Army Aviator Badge; Master Army Aviator Badge; Helicopter Pilot Badge Rating.

Also, he served as the army as: a Fixed wing Instrument flight examiner; Aviation Safety Office (Graduate of University of Southern California Aviation safety course); Associate Field Artillery Battery Officer; Honest John Officer Course (Commanding Officer Hdq. Service Battery Rocket Bn.); Commanding Officer 92nd Avn. Co.; Commanding Officer 501 Avn. Co.; Commanding Officer 110 Avn. Co; Executive Officer 174 Avn. Co..

Melvin was promoted to 2nd Lt. 21 Sept. 1943; 1st Lt. Oct. 44; Capt. 7 Aug. 1947; Maj. 14 Sept. 19p55; Lt.Col. 14 Sept. 1962

He retired from the Army in 1968. During his service he spent nearly 10 years overseas: 46 months during wartime and 70 months during peacetime.

After retiring from the Army he renewed his pharmacy license and practiced in San Antonio for a few years.

He is completely retired now and lives as 831 Serenade San Antonio, TX. 78216.

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