Captain Melvin E. Caughlin
Captain Melvin E. Caughlin
Captain Melvin “Mel” E. Caughlin was born in Girard, PA on June 11, 1925. He grew up on a farm there during the Great Depression, began working before he was school-age, and later worked on the farm before and after school, amongst other jobs. In 1943, Mel enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces (which later became the United States Air Force or USAF).
During WWII, Mel was a radio operator and a tail gunner on B-17 “Flying Fortress” Bombers with the 351st Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group, also known as The Bloody Hundredth (more details about their missions along with photos can be found on The Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group Foundation web site). He completed approximately 35 missions from 1944 to early 1945. After WWII ended, they dropped supplies from planes in Holland and then returned Displaced Persons (DPs) to their homelands. Following the returning of DPs, Mel entered the USAF Reserves.
Mel was in a B-29 “Superfortress” outfit from 1946-47 in Tampa, FL. He then entered pilot training at Randolph Field in San Antonio, TX; after which he became part of a Troop Carrier outfit in Greenville, SC flying C-82s and dropping paratroopers. Later he relocated to Nashville, TN and flew C-119s. In late 1950, during the Korean Conflict, Mel was stationed in Japan for about 16 months and then in Korea itself for about 6 months. Mel flew the Douglas A-26 “Invader” and completed 55 “Night Intruder” missions from September 1950 to May 1952 as part of the 8th Bomb Squadron. In June of 1952, Mel traveled to the Pentagon and requested reassignment for training to fly the new North American F-86 “Sabre.” His request was approved and he joined the 75th “Tiger Sharks” Fighter Interceptor Squadron (designed to protect the US from any potential bomber strikes). At this time, he also trained on F-86D “Sabre Interceptor.”
Mel met the love of his life, Mary F. Haskins in Valdosta, GA in May of 1953. After a 12-day courtship, Mel proposed because he was leaving on another assignment and did not wish to leave without her. They were married over 56 years (until his death) and had had 3 daughters. Mel stayed with the 75th until his honorable discharge in 1957 after almost 15 years of service in the USAF. Some of Mel’s decorations and citations were as follows; Air Medal w/9 Oak Leaf Clusters, European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Our family has always been very proud of my dad and his service in the USAF! After being discharged, Mel became a commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines (EAL). During the Vietnam War, he flew Military Airlift Charters (“the MAC”) for EAL to deliver supplies to Vietnam and for the rest of his career with Eastern, he mainly flew the Boeing 727 and eventually the Airbus A300. Mel had lived in Long Island, NY for a few years, but he and his family moved to Miami, FL where he and his wife lived for over 45 years. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Captain and continued to fly for Eastern Airlines for 25 years, retiring in 1982. Mel had a distinguished career in flying both military and commercial planes spanning four decades and never wanted to retire from flying, but alas, it was mandatory. Mel always said he was more comfortable in the air than on the ground!
Mel had two loves in his lifetime; his family and flying! And having grandchildren was a real blessing after his retirement. He enjoyed every moment he had with them! Unfortunately, Mel suffered from a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease in his later years. He passed away at the age of 84 on October 10, 2009. He was survived by his devoted wife, 3 daughters, 2 son-in-laws, and 4 grandchildren. Mel could have been buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but elected instead to be buried in his wife's family church cemetery. He was honored by the USAF with a military funeral.
My dad, Mel, overcame so many challenges from his early years working during the Great Depression, to his survival in aerial combat during the Second World War and the Korean Conflict, to his lifelong devotion to providing his family with a better life than he had. We thank Erie International Airport for honoring him and so many others who richly deserve it! And we are so grateful to my dad, Mel, for everything he did and we love and miss him every day! -Stacey & Brandon Rego