Jarvis Bruce Mellon was born in 1927, the son of Jacob Franklin Mellon and Julia Branson. Siblings: Mary E. Parker (Step-sister), Edward Parker (Brother-in-Law) Otey D. Moore (Step-brother), William A. Moore (Step-brother), Roy L. Mellon, Viola Mellon, Evelyn M. Mellon, and James E. Mellon. He attended Rule High School.
Jarvis Mellon served on the LST 577. He was Missing in action on 11 February 1945 and declared Killed in Action on 25 April 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
On 11 February 1945, LST 577 was proceeding on course in formation employed in a re-supply run from Ataipe, New Guinea to Lingayen Gulf via Leyte Island. In latitude 7-55.6N and longitude 130-15.0E two sharp explosions were heard and LST 577 in position 21 was seen to break into two sections just forward frame 34. LST 753 occupying position #23 immediately sheared to port as floating debris and swimming survivors prevented shearing to starboard. The after section of LST 577 sank within a few minutes after the explosions but the forward section continued to float for several hours.
He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
I am Jarvis Mellon’s niece. My mother, Viola Mellon, Humphreys, Wise was Jarvis Mellon’s sister. My grandmother, Julia B. Mellon was Jarvis Mellon’s mother. I can remember Jarvis before he went into the Navy. I have pictures of Jarvis before and after he went to serve in the Navy.
–Submitted by Ruby Humphreys Lay
- Rank: Seaman Second Class
- Date of death: 11 February 1945
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: LST 577
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
- Location In Memorial: Pillar VIII, Middle Panel
- Sponsored by: Ruby Humphreys Lay
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