John Tillman Melvin
United States Navy R.F.
Erected by the Citizens of Selma
to Commemorate the Heroism of
Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin
United States Navy, R.F.
Born Selma, Alabama Oct. 16, 1887
Among the first to volunteer and the first American Naval officer killed in action in our war with Germany. Lost his life by a torpedo from a German submarine while aboard the U.S. Ship Alcedo off the coast of France Nov. 5, 1917.
He gave his life that Democracy and Liberty might live.
Marker is at the intersection of Lauderdale Street and Alabama Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Lauderdale Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
