The 96th Squadron were a close knit group of Fighter Pilots who I would say knew 95% of all the other Pilots by first name, so one of the pilots in the 96th Squadron suggested a class year book be made and ran the idea by the Group Commander. We, meaning the majority, thought it would be a good idea and so 1st Lt A.S Barnwell Jr took on the job. Everyone was included, from the Staff to the Maintenance members which were a team. We were blessed to have Col Henry Viccellio as a Commander who retired as a Lt Gen.
1st Lt. William R. Melton joined the 96th Fighter Squadron July 1949. Born in Columbus, New Mexica, and attended high school in Tucson, Arizona. Was college student prior to entry into Air Force in 1942. Received commission and Pilot’s rating in July 1942 at Tuskegee Army Flying School, Alabama. Served overseas (Italy) as Fighter Pilot with 332nd Fighter Group, completing 55 long range escort missions. He is father of one boy.