Heroes are not the abstracts seen in cinema or the trinkets bought at a primary age. Heroes dedicate their lives, bestowing what bravery truly captures. True warriors could be living in the same city as you, without you knowing it.
In the oldest town in Louisiana, born on Sept. 9, 1927, lives L.J. Melder. Melder is one of the last remaining World War II veterans in Natchitoches and in the state of Louisiana.
A Natchitoches native with the heart of a country boy that started his journey at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Melder initially wanted to join the football team. After classes, whenever NSU held games, he would be there cheering on his school. However, unable to land a scholarship, Coach Harry Turpin scored Melder for a job in the dairy.
During his younger years, Melder worked as a butcher boy, so transitioning to milking cows was not a problem. “Coming home from the dairy, I would bring home a big bucket of milk, and everyone would gather around to drink,” Melder laughed.
Never afraid of the challenge, Melder joined the U.S. Navy in 1945, excited and primed for the awaiting adventure. The soldiers moved in convoys on the ocean, and destroyer escorts surrounded them to protect submarines.
However, efforts weren’t successful, and Melder witnessed Japan losing their submarines at the Battle of Midway. Soldiers weren’t the only battles Melder faced, with his ambitious excitement met with provocations as he saw brothers die right in front of him. With a career ending in 1947 as a destroyer escort on the USS Major Pacific, Melder was happy to return home.
Melder loves his hometown, with his favorite memories including roaming the city with friends and walking from campus to the movies, as activities in this period included walking around the city, not driving. “Movies at that time were 15 cents, and Coca-Cola cost nickels, which is completely different from prices today,” Melder said.
Enjoying his college days, Melder took on an interesting major upon returning to Natchitoches. As a student majoring in business administration, Melder took classes in accounting, where he enjoyed doing balance sheets, spreadsheets and income statements. Thanks to his professors, Melder was able to practice at the home of his professor, bringing his wife with him. To this day, he continues his skills using spreadsheets for his enjoyment at home.
Melder says he is immensely proud of NSU and what it has become since he was a college student. He understands that times are drastically different, but is proud of the evolution that has occurred. When asked what advice he had for students, Melder said the key to success is to “study hard and learn everything that you can.”
Continuing the warm and inviting spirit, Melder looks forward to his 100th birthday in September 2027. “I will have a big party, where everyone is invited,” Melder said. With years of dedication and achievements, Melder spends his days with his wife and family, reminiscing about the happiness of the Natchitoches community.
