Melvyn Robert PAISLEY (O-774289)
 

Good morning everybody,

is anyone able to help me with following questions? I would like to know the exact date of his USAAF joining and also when he left the USAAF.

Many thanks for any information.

Best regards Zdenek Kocab

Re: Melvyn Robert PAISLEY (O-774289)
 

Fold3 seems to have two possible enlistment dates.
A record from the National Archives has:
11 Nov 1942

while a record from US Department of Veteran's Affairs has:
15 Apr 1944 (I think this might actually be the date he was commissioned 2nd Lt.)

Discharge date:
10 Nov 1945


There was a program to allow for early (deferred) enlistment. There is a newspaper article from November, 1942 entitled Army Enlists Teen Age Men and his name appears in the article. He supposedly graduated from high school in 1943.


There is another article about him from March 1945 which says he was just promoted to 1st Lt. He was promoted to Captain in June 1945.

Just found another article, which says his army career began February 6, 1943. That might be correct. He was commissioned 2nd Lt in April, 1944

All rather confusing.....

He was in the 366th FG ( he joined the group on 13 October 1944). His first two kills were on December 17, 1944.

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/243558

He wrote a book called "ACE!" about his wartime experiences. Copies still seem to be available.

https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Autobiogr.../dp/082831943X

His later career is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melvyn_R._Paisley