His request for duty in the Philippines was granted and with it, an appointment with death.

Melvin Orr was born on May 25, 1920, to Mr. and Mrs. Mervin L. Orr of Fresno, California. In addition to Melvin, the Orr family included sons Vernon, Myron, Darrell and Kenneth and a daughter Beverly. Melvin spent much of his formative years in Santa Cruz, where his father repaired cash registers and typewriters. While living in Santa Cruz, young Melvin worked in a restaurant at the beach. In 1934 the Orr family returned to Fresno where he completed three years of high school. He remained in the Central Valley until the time of his enlistment.

On October 3, 1941, Melvin Orr enlisted in the regular US Army Quartermaster Corps and requested assignment in the Philippine Islands. After completing basic training, Orr was sent to the Philippines and posted to Fort Mills.

In December 1941, war was declared and the Japanese began bombing raids on the fort. During a particularly heavy aerial bombardment on January 4, 1942, Private Melvin L. Orr was killed. His commanding officer later wrote to his parents recounting the youth's courage and bravery while under attack.

Melvin was initially buried on the post grounds, but his remains were later exhumed and shipped to the Golden Gate Cemetery in San Bruno, California for reburial in 1949.
(NARA2; USDVA; SCSn April 2, 1942 8:5)