OLAA Pilot: Lt. Col. Mel Swanson

Born in Leroy, Iowa on May 21, 1931, Melvin Gene Swanson was the second son of Argie Matilda Buchanan and Ernest John Swanson. He tipped the scales weighing 11 pounds, 15 ounces Big brother was Ernest Junior Swanson, age 5. Argie’s family lived in Leroy, Iowa and consisted of her father, James Buchanan, a blacksmith; mother, Violet Lash; sisters Lena and Julia; brother Melvin; and half-sister, Emma. The elder Ernest, a Swedish immigrant from Pomeroy, Iowa, was a construction worker who helped build the Leroy School. Ernest’s family consisted of his father, Gustavas Swanson; mother, Ida Andrews; brothers Arthur, Albert, Herbert, and Leo; and sisters Esther, Myrtle, Ruth, Lavona, and Lavena. Ernest, the father, passed away in June, 1932.

 

As Melvin and Junior grew, their curiosity and creative energies developed to full expression. They had several childhood friends to pal around with, including Bill and Miles Petty, Gerald Baker, Bobby Binford, and Carl and Darryl Anderson. Junior, being the eldest, was in charge of keeping Melvin out of mischief. However, mischievous endeavors often got the better of them both, and when caught doing their shenanigans they eventually had to face the consequences with their mother. Unfortunately, they didn’t always learn their lesson the first time around and had to cut their own whipping sticks.

 

Some of Melvin's favorite childhood memories include wading in the mud in the ditch, jumping into stock ponds and getting leeches all over, conspiring with friends and feeding a rooster bourbon out of an eye dropper, having BB gun fights, walking around with a mouthful of lead BB's, smoking corn silks wrapped in catalog paper, going squirrel and rabbit hunting with Skippy, and riding Ribbon (Gerald Baker's pony).

 

Although Argie could be very strict, she taught them good values and to appreciate what they had. When she made the boys’ shirts out of chicken feed sacks, they learned the lesson of resourcefulness. The aroma from her homemade cinnamon rolls permeated the air as the boys approached the house after school. Argie made lemonade and bushels of popcorn for treats as the boys and their friends played rummy. She also fed the thrashing crews and had quite a reputation for preparing a plentiful feast.

 

Vivid life-impacting memories that remain with Melvin today centered around the Leroy Presbyterian Church. Each and every Sunday the boys developed their religious faith and Melvin remembers earning eight perfect attendance pins. He often heard and envied other kids playing outside while he was in church. The penny suppers where each family brought a dish and each serving of food cost a penny was a welcome pleasure. Today (2012) the Leroy Presbyterian Church is a solid pillar of the otherwise meager community.

 

Music was a special family tradition. When Argie opened up the parlor doors and began to play the piano, they sang popular songs, such as “My Little Margie”, “Sioux City Sue”, “My Wild Irish Rose”, “You are My Sunshine”, “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Tennessee Waltz”, and “Playmates”.

 

Family celebrations for holidays and other occasions brought aunts, uncles, and cousins together. Sunday dinners with family became a ritual. The boys each got to pick out one Christmas present from the coveted Sears, Montgomery Ward, and Spiegels catalogues each year. Melvin's prized toy was a miniature John Deere tractor, disc and harrow, and plow, which he played with in the garden.

 

Melvin attended Leroy Schools from first grade through graduation from high school in 1948. There were eleven kids in his class. His favorite classes were math, English, and physics. He spent considerable time in the principal's office where he memorized a valuable life motto: “Had no shoes and complained until I met a man who had no feet.”

 

After graduating from high school, Melvin moved to Des Moines where he roomed with Carl Campbell. His jobs included Bishop's Cafeteria, Colonial Bakery, Harvest Bakery, and Rock Island Motor Transit. He enthusiastically participated in his job as an icer on the cinnamon roll line at the bakeries. Returning to Leroy, Melvin was employed at the JL Heaton Hardware Store and the Leroy Grocery Store. He also worked in Humeston for Red Carlton at Yorkshire Produce and for Arlie McCullough at the Chevrolet dealership.

 

Melvin decided to leave small-town Iowa when he enlisted in the Air Force on October 15, 1951. His twenty-one year career was filled with adventure, challenges, and life changes Some of the highlights of his illustrious accomplishments are listed in the following timeline:

 

10/15/51 Joined Air Force

Lackland AFB, San Antonio, three months basic training

Spirit of Honor Medal: Exemplification of American spirit

Drill Instructor training, six months

Keesler, Buloxi, MS, Electronic School (radar school)

Aviation Cadet Class, Harlingen, TX, nine months

Keesler ECM School

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 2/9/54

Awarded wings, 7/54

Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA, crew of B-36's

Bainbridge, GA, pilot training, 7/56, trained in T34 and T28, six months

Webb AFB, Big Springs, TX, Jet School, 2/57

Received Pilot Wings, 8/57

Remained as instructor until 7/62

Washington DC, six month training, jet flight instructor for Saudi Arabian royal family, 1962

Pentagon, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1962

Arctic Survival Training, Royal Norwegian AF, 1963

Weathersfield, England, until 11/65, war planner

Promoted to Major, 7/65

Laredo AFB, Flight Commander, 11/65

Hurlburt, Florida, combat crew training, A-1 Skyraider

Homestead AFB, Florida, Sea Survival

Survival Training, Fairchild AFB, WA—learned how to evade enemy and find water

Deployed to VietNam, 1/5/70

Clark AFB, Philippines, Jungle Survival Training, one week

Nakhom Phenomh RTAFB, Thailand, Search and Rescue and Strike Missions

Flew Sandy and bombing missions, Laos

Promoted to Lt. Colonel, 6/30/70

Commander of detachment at DaNang, VietNam, 1/5/70 to 12/16/70

Flew 155 missions, SPADS airplane, insert and extract LERPS teams (Long Range Reconnaissance Teams); plane was named Sweet Betty Lou (single engine, 3500 hp, carried 5 tons ordnance)

RR, Oahu, Hawaii, 12/70, ten days 

Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, 10 air medals, 4/5 special air medals, VietNam Cross of Gallantry

Reese AFB, Lubbock, TX, squadron commander 

Retired on 6/30/72

 

Melvin met Betty Johnson on a blind date while he was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane He recalls that she was a stunning model in a pink suit and high heels. They, of course, fell in love and were married on June 26, 1955 in Thompson Falls, Montana. While living in England, Melvin and Betty adopted Frances after she was born on March 24, 1964. 

 

After retiring from the Air Force, Melvin, Betty, and Frances moved to Des Moines, Iowa where Melvin was the General Manager for Iowa Aviation from 1972 to 1974 and the Pester Derby Training Director from 1974 to 1976. The family relocated to Fairfax, Virginia when Mel became a Den-tal-ez government and university rep from 1976 to 1991. During his tenure at Den-tal-ez, he traveled to Indian reservations, VA hospitals, federal prisons, and military bases in Europe and the Far East. From 1991 to 1994, Melvin worked for Healthco Company, planning doctor's offices, selling dental equipment, locating office spaces, and designing plans. He was employed by Capital Dental Supply from 1994 to 1999, then Sullivan, and Schein, retiring in 1999.

 

Having fought a battle with cancer, Betty passed away on December 4, 1997. She is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Melvin and Betty were married for 42 years.

 

Melvin decided to try his hand at selling vehicles at Farrish Jeep where he earned a 99% rating on customer surveys. Following seven years as a salesman, Melvin became a shuttle driver at Farrish Jeep for six years, where he enjoys working and meeting people who appreciate his services.

 

Years of wisdom and lessons learned, Melvin thinks life is an eternal test, and notes that sometimes it gets really tough. All in all, he has had “one hell of a life—been there, done that. Proud of it. Those who think they know everything are deeply disturbed by those of us who do.” His advice to his granddaughter and great grandchild: Go for it. Live, love, laugh, cry, enjoy! That is exactly what Melvin has done.

Status:
Pilot Contact Info:
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OLAA-ID: 220-4      
Flight Date: 17 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 730-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.20)
  
Remarks: Note--- 730-H is at OLAA. Don E flies it on 14Jun!!!
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 225-6      
Flight Date: 22 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 730-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.70)
  
Remarks: Note--- 730-H is at OLAA. Don E flies it on 14Jun!!!
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 226-9      
Flight Date: 23 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID: FCF?
Tail # 730-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (0.40)
  
Remarks: Note--- 730-H is at OLAA. Don E flies it on 14Jun!!!
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 227-6      
Flight Date: 24 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 608-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.70)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 228-4      
Flight Date: 25 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson–02
Mission ID:
Tail # 730-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.60)
  
Remarks: #A Shorty (SH!). Struck By Sugar Loaf - Good Ordnance
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 229-13      
Flight Date: 26 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 258-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.40)
  
Remarks: DAD TO NKP Mel Swanson Ferry’s 258 to NKP awaiting his return to Da Nang to become OLAA Commander on 21Jul70. Mel became Commander on 24? Jul
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 230-5      
Flight Date: 27 Jun 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 258-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.30)
  
Remarks: @NKP
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 253-4      
Flight Date: 20 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 520-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (0.40)
  
Remarks: NKP or Da Nang??? FCF at NKP likely. CHECK CALENDAR DOCUMENT. THIS LOG IS STRUCK OUT
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 254-2      
Flight Date: 21 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 028-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.50)
  
Remarks: 1st Da Nang Flt for Mel. He finally gets his command and flies over in his bird 028-J.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 256-1      
Flight Date: 23 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson–04
Mission ID: 7313
Tail # 776-H
Location:
Team Name: Fly Flick
Hours Flown: (3.60)
  
Remarks: # Capped to Bingo and Put In Napes; Capped Team Infil
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 258-1      
Flight Date: 25 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 803-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.20)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 259-1      SOG
Flight Date: 26 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 789-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.50)
  
Remarks: Air Medal narrative describes successful SOG team support and recovery.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 260-2      
Flight Date: 27 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 056-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.80)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 260-3      
Flight Date: 27 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 628-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.60)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 261-1      
Flight Date: 28 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 628-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.00)
  
Remarks: Mel Swanson awarded a DFC for this mission.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 263-1      
Flight Date: 30 Jul 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 056-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 2.30
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 268-1      
Flight Date: 04 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 258-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.10)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 271-1      
Flight Date: 07 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 258-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.40)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 273-1      
Flight Date: 09 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 056-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 274-1      
Flight Date: 10 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 257-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.80)
  
Remarks: Mel Swanson awarded DFC for these combined missions.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 274-2      
Flight Date: 10 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 056-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.00)
  
Remarks: Mel Swanson awarded DFC for these combined missions.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 275-3      
Flight Date: 11 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 803-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.20)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 278-1      
Flight Date: 14 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 028-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 0.20
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 278-2      
Flight Date: 14 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 028-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 0.20
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 280-1      
Flight Date: 16 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 789-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.30
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 281-1      
Flight Date: 17 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 526-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.50
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 284-1      
Flight Date: 20 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 526-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 2.20
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 287-1      
Flight Date: 23 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 526-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 2.70
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 290-1      
Flight Date: 26 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 286-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 0.90
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 291-2      
Flight Date: 27 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 028-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.50
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 292-1      
Flight Date: 28 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 286-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 0.50
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 294-3      
Flight Date: 30 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 286-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 0.60
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 294-4      
Flight Date: 30 Aug 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 734-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 2.60
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 297-1      
Flight Date: 02 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson–11
Mission ID:
Tail # 292-H
Location: Cu Lao Re
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.00)
  
Remarks: # Recce Orbit
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 301-2      
Flight Date: 06 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 286-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.80
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 303-3      
Flight Date: 08 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 063-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.60)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 305-1      
Flight Date: 10 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 780-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.10)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 307-1      
Flight Date: 12 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 292-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (0.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 307-2      
Flight Date: 12 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 063-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.10)
  
Remarks: Mel Swanson awarded DFC for one of these missions.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 307-3      
Flight Date: 12 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 021-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.50)
  
Remarks: Mel Swanson awarded DFC for one of these missions.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-1      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson–01
Mission ID:
Tail # 292-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (4.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 312-3      
Flight Date: 17 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 752-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 313-2      
Flight Date: 18 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 014-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.60
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 314-1      
Flight Date: 19 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 077-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.10)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 316-4      
Flight Date: 21 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 028-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 3.10
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 318-2      
Flight Date: 23 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 021-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (1.10)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 319-2      
Flight Date: 24 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 724-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 323-5      
Flight Date: 28 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 021-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.00
  
Remarks: #20M West - Suppressed Mortar Attack #
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 334-1      
Flight Date: 09 Oct 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson–01
Mission ID: 1630
Tail # 551-H
Location: 270/30/94
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (3.80)
  
Remarks: #Prepped For Infil Then Capped It
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 339-2      
Flight Date: 14 Oct 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 551-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.90)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 343-1      
Flight Date: 18 Oct 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 551-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.50)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 344-1      
Flight Date: 19 Oct 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 014-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 346-2      
Flight Date: 21 Oct 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 014-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 357-3      
Flight Date: 01 Nov 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 286-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 3.10
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 358-2      
Flight Date: 02 Nov 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 597-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 2.00
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 369-2      
Flight Date: 13 Nov 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 028-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 1.30
  
Remarks: LAST OLAA FLIGHT????
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 377-1      
Flight Date: 21 Nov 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 0.90
  
Remarks: NKP FLIGHT…CONFIRM Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tail Number 206??
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 380-4      
Flight Date: 24 Nov 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson
Mission ID:
Tail # 053-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (2.30)
  
Remarks: NKP FOR SURE!!!!
Tags: