[3][4] On 26 August 1927, Melson began his first tour, reporting aboard the light cruiser USS Trenton (CL-11)[4] in the Scouting Fleet.

By the beginning of 1930, he was serving aboard the destroyer USS McCormick (DD-223)[5] in the United States Asiatic Fleet, and he was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) on 2 June 1930.

While escorting a convoy of merchant ships from the United States to Mediterranean ports, the CHAMPLIN made contact with an enemy submarine shortly after dark on 12 March 1943.

Skillfully directing the operations of his ship from the time of the breakthrough to the Anzio Beachhead and continuing through the coastal advance northward, Captain Melson directed successful shore bombardments against enemy concentrations and installations; protected Allied coastal shipping lanes against enemy submarine and surface attacks; and supported advance minesweeping formations engaged in clearing heavily mined approaches to ports occupied by our forces despite repeated hostile aerial attacks.

By his leadership, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Melson rendered invaluable assistance to the Allied armies in overcoming enemy resistance in their advance into northern Italy...[1]Melson continued in command of Destroyer Division 32 for Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944.

He received the Silver Star for his performance from 18 to 30 August 1944 during the invasion, the citation reading: By skillfully maneuvering his ship, and accurately directing their gunfire, Captain Melson provided effective support for the advancing ground forces in clearing the enemy from coastal positions on the right flank of the central assault area.

[3] Other duties included chief of staff to Commander, Battleship Division Five, and operations and plans officer to the United States Sixteenth Fleet.

[20] Leaving the Naval War College, Melson returned to sea as the commander of Destroyer Squadron 20, then served as administrative aid to the Superintendent of the U.S.

[3][23] He received a second Gold Star in lieu of a third award of the Legion of Merit for his tour aboard New Jersey, the citation saying that: ...during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 8 April to 27 July 1953.

Throughout this period, Captain Melson discharged his many responsibilities with exceptional professional skill and leadership and effectively directed the gunfire of his vessel and the Task Group under his command during repeated shore bombardment missions against enemy installations along both coasts of Korea, inflicting widespread damage and destruction on supply lines, shore batteries, industrial centers, and troop concentrations.

[26] He received the Distinguished Service Medal for his war college tour, the citation saying: Dedicated to maintaining the academic reputation and prestige of the Navy's highest educational institution, Vice Admiral Melson conducted several studies and made a number of significant representations to his superiors in the Navy Department which resulted in a re-definition of the mission and functions of the Naval War College; notable improvements in the curricula of the resident schools, academic planning procedures, educational methods, student research, and the structure and quality of the faculty; clarification and re-direction of planning for facilities development; and promotion of an overall Navy policy on professional education.