USS Melvin R. Nawman

(DE‑416: dp. 1350; l. 306'; b. 36'8"; dr. 9'5"; s. 24 k.; cpl. 186; a. 2 5", 4 40mm., 10 20mm., 3 21" tt., 2 dct.. 8 dcp., 1 dcp. (hh.); cl. John C. Butler )

Born 10 September in Aurora, Ill., Melvin Rollie Nawman attended the University of Utah prior to his enlistment 7 July 1941 in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Shortly there after he qualified for flight training and 27 July 1942 earned his wings and commission as a second lieutenant. Attached to a Scout‑Bombing Squadron VMSB‑32, he arrived at Henderson Field 30 October in the midst of the bitterly contested struggle for Guadalcanal Island. Three days later he died attempting to stop the "Tokyo Express" from landing additional reinforcements. The gallantry of this volunteer mission was recognized through a posthumously awarded Air Medal.

Melvin R. Nawman (DE‑416) was laid down 3 January 1944 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Tex.; launched 16 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. R. B. Nawman mother of the late 2d Lt. Melvin R. Nawman; and commissioned 16 May 1944, Lt. Comdr. F. W. Kinsley in command.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Melvin R. Nawman (DE-416)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.