S/Sgt Melvin Isbel's hometown was Franklin, Ohio. He entered the service in Dayton, Ohio at 18 years of age.  He recieved his parachute training at Fort Benning, GA and joined the 504th in July of 1943 after the Sicily operations.  S/Sgt. Isbel arrived in Europe on May 10, 1943 aboard the George Washington.  He made combat jumps into Salerno and Holland and served as a rifleman with 1st squad, 1st platoon under platoon leader Sgt. Castagno.  S/Sgt. Isbel took part in the Africa, Anzio, Holland, Ardennes and Germany operations.

He considers the Battle at Cheneux during the "Battle of the Bulge" to be the 504th Greatest Accomplishment.

Some of his combat buddies were: Henry Klee, Larry Fox and Tony Zdancewicz

The following are comments S/Sgt. Isbel wished have included as part of this record:
"I believe the war would have been over at least six months before it was if it had not been for General Montgomery."

He also remembered that the 504th was credited with saving the 5th army beach head during the battle at Altavilla (Salerno).