Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin

United States Navy R.F.

Erected by Citizens of Selma to Commemorate the Heroism of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010

1. Erected by Citizens of Selma to Commemorate the Heroism of Marker

Inscription. Erected by the Citizens of Selma
to Commemorate the Heroism of
Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin
United States Navy, R.F.
Born Selma, Alabama Oct. 16, 1887 Among the first to volunteer and the first American Naval officer killed in action in our war with Germany. Lost his life by a torpedo from a German submarine while aboard the U.S. Ship Alcedo off the coast of France Nov. 5, 1917.

He gave his life that Democracy and Liberty might live.

Erected by Citizens of Selma.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 5, 1917.

Location. 32° 24.431′ N, 87° 1.259′ W. Marker is in Selma, Alabama, in Dallas County. Marker is at the intersection of Lauderdale Street and Alabama Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Lauderdale Street. Marker stands on the corner next to the Federal Courthouse and across from the Dallas County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma AL 36701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Federal Building and U.S. Court House (a few steps from this marker); Burning of Downtown (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sleeping Prophet

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Selma Army Arsenal (about 500 feet away); Votes for Women (about 500 feet away); Ecor Bienville (about 500 feet away); Arsenal Place (about 500 feet away); St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Est. 1838 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.

Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010

2. Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin Marker

Area view of marker looking East on Alabama Avenue. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 26, 2015

3. Area view of marker looking East on Alabama Avenue.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,328 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 3. submitted on June 19, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.