During the Vietnam War era, 18-year old males had to register with the Selective Service. Instead of simply registering, Melvin Williams, Jr., went further and enlisted in the Coast Guard.
The sea was already a part of his life. The son of a merchant seaman who grew up around water, the New Jersey native originally wanted to join the Navy, but fate intervened. After hearing about a ship rescued by the Coast Guard, he knew that would be his path in life.
“The Coast Guard was going through a transitional period of integration when I joined,” he said. “This was an interesting time. Acceptance was kind of rare and there were a lot of barriers.”
He started his military career in the medical field.
“I experienced a lot of things I never thought I would encounter. I assisted in surgeries while out to sea … appendicectomies, amputations, wounds, and five life recoveries. It was very productive.”
After his sea rotation, Williams (pictured above) was stationed in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where fate stepped in again. He had the chance to assist a flight crew during a flight. The executive officer heard about his impressive performance. That flight would mark the beginning of a long and impressive aviation career.
“Getting into Coast Guard aviation as an African American at that time was very hard,” he said. “There were only two of us in my rate. I was told if I wanted to succeed, here are the books. So, I read and read and read some more. Within time I worked my up from E-4 to E-6. It was very challenging but I overcame those barriers.”
The sea was a part of his life
The job of an aviation survival technician was the combination of parachute rigger and aviation ordnance man. It also included rescue swimmer training, emergency medical training, and more. Rescue swimmer training is a difficult and strenuous course with a high drop-out rate.
Williams didn’t let anything stop him.
“I had a chance to do some jumps with the Navy and I loved it,” he added. He was the first African American to make parachute jumps at Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey.
First African American in Coast Guard occupations
Williams was also the first African American male to make chief as aviation survival man and then chief warrant officer (CWO2).
“It was hard trying to establish yourself and advance as an African American at that time,” he said. “Leadership didn’t look kindly on our position as a supervisor.”
Before becoming the first African American chief in his rate, Williams was credited with the development of the float strobe light. Versions of this floatation safety device are used today for water survival.
Williams was presented the Sikorsky Winged “S” Award in 1974 for rescues flying in a Coast Guard HH-52 while stationed in Miami.
Williams retired from the Coast Guard in 1989. He would go on to work at New Orleans VA until hurricane Katrina struck. After the devastating storm, he found his way to Shreveport and the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. There, he not only receives his health care, but is also an employee.
“What I love about this place.”
“I was carrying around some health issues I didn’t know I had until I got to Overton Brooks,” he said. “That is what I love about this place. They informed me about my health situation when no one else did. I have seen this place come a long way.”
Williams has seen many things come a long way in his life. His extensive barrier breaking military career proves progress has been and can be made. He has not only made history but paved the way for African Americans in Coast Guard aviation.
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Enjoyed reading of Mel’s time in the USCG as I’m a CG veteran also. Congratulations on your achievements. Semper Paratus old Coastie!
I appreciate. your service. Excellent article! My fellow veterans deserve to read this compelling story.
What an amazing story of perseverance and strength. Although he experienced challenges, he did not let anything get in his way. A man to be admired and emulated indeed!!!!!
I love seeing stories like this, especially when it is something I can relate to as a Veteran working at Veterans Affairs myself. Kudos to you Mr. Williams and thank you very much for your service.
What an impressive story, though really a life experience. I hope you are able to go to Cape May and inspire new Coast Guard recruits. As a retired Coastie, I have to say the Coast Guard is also a good career for women of any color. Thank you CWO Williams for your many achievements!
This story is so inspiring. It gives me motivation to continue to strive for the best and always advocate for yourself otherwise no one will
CMSgt Thomas Barnes was the first black appointed to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force back in 1973. He was my cousin’s father-in-law. I had the honor of spending time at his home and speaking with him regarding his struggles as a black man rising through the ranks during the Viet Nam era. I appreciate the challenges and barriers that CWO Williams and CMSgt Brown faced and overcame. Their achievements made it somewhat easier for me as a black career Air Force nurse. Thank you for sharing your story as an inspiration to all service members.
Inspiring story Mr. Williams! Thank you for your resolution to persevere and achieve these very noteworthy accomplishments in life and the Coast Guard sir. To God be the glory for all of your life’s work!
Greeting Mr, Williams, my name is Darnell Shaw a native of Elizabeth City NC. The Coast Guard of Elizabeth City is a great place and I am very proud of you and your tenacity to excel in my hometown. I am a veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division and can relate to the jumps you made! I will be sharing your story with my church St. Galilee Church of Christ on Martin St. in a Black History speech on Sunday February 26. I salute you for being a pathfinder and man of God!
Mr. Williams, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting you at various townhall meetings. However, unbeknownst to myself and many others, you are an eminent part of history for African Americans. Your are the true depiction of “an overcomer”. I’ve often heard you speak to the “elephant in the room” when others remain silent and now I understand that you’ve fought too hard and long to remain silent! Thank you for your service to our country, but even more so, Thank you for your service to African American people, whom you have paved the way for. God Bless you Sir!
Great to read, I was in the army during that time and as a African America I understand the problems he encountered . I have a friend and co-worker that was in the Coast Guard’s 1st African American OCS class.
Williams has seen many things come a long way in his life. His extensive barrier breaking military career proves progress has been and can be made. He has not only made history but paved the way for African Americans in Coast Guard aviation.
Please have CWO2 (ret) Melvin Williams contact me. I am Captain (CAPT) Warren Judge, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Boot Camp. I would like for Mr. Williams to be part of our 75th anniversary acknowledgement / highlights. Thanking you in advance for all your assistance.
i salute you sir! so very proud of all you accomplished! well done! as a hispanic air force vietnam vet. you show us the way! may god bkess you!
I salute this partner who fought against the odds and as a good soldier he won.
Brother Melvin, I thank you for your groundbreaking service. Not only did you pave the way for those who came after you and found some history for them to follow.
It seems that your ability to be flexible and adjust to many obstacles (I am sure there are many not stated in this article). It brings some of my experiences to my mind
as I read about yours. Thank you again for serving in such a way that those around you easily recognized your contribution and honored it.