Melvin Storer

Born on April 17, 1921, in Portland, Oregon, Melvin Tyler Storer became a notable figure thanks to his service in the United States Navy Reserve. He attended Franklin High School and later graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland. His career took an interesting turn when he enlisted in the Navy Reserve on May 5, 1938.

When Melvin first enlisted, he served as a shipfitter third class aboard the USS California starting on July 16, 1940. He later served on the USS West Virginia and the USS Yarnall, his first enlistment to these vessels dating back to May 15, 1942. His dedication and skills soon earned him a promotion: by 1943, Melvin had ascended to the rank of shipfitter first class and had also become a deep-sea diver.

On December 7, 1941, Melvin experienced a moment that would forever change his life: the attack on Pearl Harbor. At the time, he was supervising cleanup operations in the engine room of the USS California. When the airstrike call came in, they immediately started to close watertight hatches. Despite the chaos that ensued after the attack, Melvin survived; he jumped off the ship into the water below and was subsequently picked up by a rescue boat. He then returned to the stricken USS California, making an attempt to help save the ship.

The aftermath of the attack was a tumultuous period. Initial reports erroneously claimed Melvin and many others lost. In fact, he was the first man from Portland reported killed, an error that was never fully explained. Even Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz relayed this misinformation to Melvin's mother in a telegram. Services for Melvin were held, and a week later, the unexpected happened: two postcards arrived, both signed by Melvin, informing his parents that he had survived the attack!

After the war, Melvin re-enlisted in the Navy on March 30, 1948. His merits during his service garnered him awards such as the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal and the Bronze Star. After his naval career, Melvin found work as a welder at Rohr, Inc.

The memory of Melvin's service lives on, and his legacy continues to inspire today's generation. He passed away on December 27, 2003, in Chula Vista, California, but his story remains an incredible testament to perseverance and courage.