Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors Coast Guard Veteran Melvin Williams Jr. During the Vietnam War, Melvin registered with Selective Service and enlisted in the Coast Guard. He was the son of a merchant seaman who grew up around water. At first he wanted to join the Navy but when he heard about a ship rescued by the Coast Guard, he knew that would be his path in life. His Coast Guard career led him to many firsts including being the first African American to make parachute jumps at Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey. Melvin was also the first African American male to make chief as aviation survival man and then chief warrant officer (CWO2). Before becoming the first African American chief in his rate, Melvin was credited with the development of the float strobe light. Versions of this floatation safety device are used today for water survival. Congratulations on all you accomplished Melvin and THANK YOU for your service.
