29 January 1991 – An American F-15C shot down an IRAF MiG-23 fleeing to Iran with an AIM-7 missile. “During the Air War over Iraq, the mighty Eagle proved to be a very robust airframe, bringing back its pilots after suffering serious damages. After the first ten days of the first Gulf Air War, to
Capt. Melvin R. Ellis began his tour of duty in Vietnam on June 15, 1966. He was an USAF fighter pilot with the 308th TAC Fighter Squadron. On his 95th mission his plane was shot down. He died in Kien Hoa Province, South Vietnam. He had served in the US Air Force for 14 years and was 39 years old.
At the time of his death he was married. His wife Alice and two daughters were living in Abilene, Texas.
Melvin Rupert Ellis is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado. This is a National American Cemetery administered through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Melvin is also honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 11e, Line 76.
