Melvin Andersen Jonas

"After enlisting in the air corps [on Aug 3, 1940, Melvin] trained at Hamilton Field. Stockton, California, and Chanute Field, Illinois. He received his preflight training at the San Antonio aviation cadet center, his premary training at Ballinger, Texas, and his basic training at Randolph Field. Since becoming a pilot, he had been on 15 combat training missions, and had been 1,100 hours in the air. The day before his death he flew from San Marcos, Texas, to Columbus, Mississippi, and back.

"On March 17, [1944,] Lieutenant Jonas was married to Miss Doris Everets of Houston, Texas..."1.2

"Death came to Lieutenant Jonas at 2:30 Sunday while swimming in San Marcos riverr. He was accompanied to the river by his wife and Lieutenant and Mrs. Arthur Winard. The two fellows waded out from the beach together toward the deep water which reaches ten feet in depth. The river bottom is covered with rank weeds and moss and apparently Melvi's feet became entangled in the matted growth and the swift current bore him under. His companion treid to rescue him but without success."1.1

1. (July 21, 1944). Funeral Services Saturday For Lieut. Melvin A. Jonas. The Herald Journal. University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott Library, Utah Digital Newspapers.

   1. Page 1: https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=28635999

   2. Page 2: https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=28636004

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