• Class: 1938

melvin kurlander class photoMel Kurlander ’38, WWII hero who flew 79 missions, won five air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Melvin Kurlander (1921–2011) was a highly decorated World War II Navy pilot who served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (Lt.jg.) with the famous VF-17 squadron, known as the "Jolly Rogers", the highest-scoring naval fighter squadron in the Pacific during its initial tour. In just 76 days of combat, they shot down 154 Japanese aircraft.

    mel kurlander crewMilitary Service:

    He was a decorated pilot during World War II, flying 79 missions with the VF-17 unit in the Pacific theater. He was regarded by peers as a "true American hero" for his combat experiences.

    Fighting Squadron 17 (VF-17), known as the "Jolly Rogers," was one of the most distinguished and successful U.S. Navy fighter units of World War II. Their significance stems from their record-breaking combat performance and their role in proving a legendary aircraft in battle.

    Decorations: For his exemplary service in World War II, he was awarded five air medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the Air Medal (AM) and the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). 

     

     

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