We are honored to share this personal account of the March 19, 1945, bombing of the USS Franklin, provided by Greg Melson, the son of Jack F. Melson, who served as a pilot aboard the USS Hancock. In this letter, written to his mother shortly after the event, Jack recounts the harrowing moments of the attack, offering a unique and intimate perspective on one of the most devastating moments in the history of the USS Franklin. Greg, who resides in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, has graciously provided this letter for publication on our website, preserving the memory of those who fought to save the Franklin.

May 20 -45
Dear Mother,
Have received your May 10th letter. Certainly did enjoy it. Thanks for sending the clipping about lee and Jeanne’s wedding. [Redacted]. I can at last tell you about the carrier “FRANKLIN” (BIG BEN) being hit. No doubt you have seen pictures of it in the papers. The only part I can tell is my own personal experience- it went something like this. I was the first plane off our ship that morning and as I turned back so the other planes taking off could join up on me, I saw the enemy plane in its dive out of a cloud. I turned toward it but it was already on its target. It dropped one bomb and got away to about 5 miles then was shot down. It dove so low I thought it went into the ship. Just then all hell burst loose. The bomb went off on the Franklin igniting all the bomb and rocket laden planes and gasoline. Everything seemed to explode at once, followed by more and more explosions. The next thing I knew they were shooting at me, because in the confusion I had been identified as enemy. By the grace of God they missed and so did all the scraps of metal etc. that were in the air from the explosion. It was really a sickening sight- Men were being forced “over the side” by the hundreds because of intense flames. Any Man that remained above that ship deserves the highest honor this country can give. No one can ever describe the sight. Pictures only show a minor part and half hasn’t been told. Everyone fought for 3 days to save her because the Japs were “fanatic” about sinking her and we were more determined to save her. To get on with the story- we went into Kobe that morning and before we would leave we had avenged that little deed till it heart. Tat was the day I was recommended for the “DFC” (which still hasn’t come through, but non of our awards have). I’m still hoping it was also my first combat hop. Just to show you that we haven’t been lounging around out here. Here is a report of some of the action I’ve been in. T appreciate it you will have to consult a map. We were in on the landing at Okinawa! So far I have 10 combat missions. Remember when the “Yamoto Battleship” etc were sunk on their way to Okinawa, we were there, too! Enough of this.
Dorthy sent me a picture of you and Andy they were very good. She said all you wanted to do was pose.
Well have to run. Write Soon and send me a bank statement the next time you write.

Love, Jack
“over”
P.S. Anything I have said cannot be printed or broadcast this means verbally as well.