Melvin Otis Bridges was born September 2, 1917 at Greenwood, Sebastian Co., Ar. to Huel Ewby & Maude Price Bridges. He married Anna Luretha Mason Dec. 13, 1936 at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. Melvin registered for the military draft October 11, 1940 at Moffitt, Sequoyah Co., Oklahoma, just across the river from Fort Smith. He enlisted with the US Navy August 14, 1943. Melvin served as a Mm2, a Machinist's Mate Second Class. Melvin Otis Bridges passed away April 14, 1967 and was buried in the National Cemetery at Firt Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar.