Melvin enlisted in the Navy on September 14, 1943. After his boot training he served as a GM 3C on the LST 565. He participated in the invasion of the island of Leyte in the Philippines in October 1944. He was involved in the Mindoro landing in December 1944 and in January 1945 in the Zambales Subic Bay in the Philippines. He was in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in May 1945. He was awarded five battle stars for the Asiatic Campaign, and three Philippine Liberation Ribbons. He received his discharge on January 15, 1946.

He was married to LaVerne Rosberg on June 30, 1946 and they were the parents of five children. Melvin returned to farming after the war. He passed away in February 1993.