Born: 1924
Died: March 3, 1945
Campaigns Served: Iwo Jima (killed)
Highest Rank Attained: Private
Decorations: Purple Heart
Melvin Adalman was born in 1924. He grew up in Maryland, and attended the School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland in Baltimore. As a junior in 1944, he submitted a favorite quote from James Russell Lowell:
“There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat."
Later that year, the former Keeper of the Secret Scrolls of Phi Alpha Fraternity joined the Marine Corps. Adalman would have attended boot camp at Parris Island and then traveled west to California. He joined the 30th Replacement Draft and boarded a ship for Iwo Jima.
After several days spent unloading supplies on the beach, Adalman was assigned to Baker Company, 24th Marines. He served with them on the front lines until he was killed on March 3, 1945.
Private Adalman is buried in Shaarei Zion Cemetery, Baltimore.