Born on January 23rd, 1926, in Dunkirk, New York, Mel Price grew up during the Great Depression. His father worked at the American Locomotive Company, while his mother took care of the household. During his childhood, Melvin's family faced financial challenges due to the economic downturn, experiencing firsthand the effects of rationing during World War II. Despite the hardships, Melvin cherished moments of leisure, such as swimming in Lake Erie near his home and spending time with friends. From a young age, Melvin was captivated by aviation and dreamed of flying. His interest led him to take a ride in a Ford Tri-Motor plane at the age of 15.

After graduating as valedictorian from high school, he applied for aviation cadet training but ended up pursuing a different path in the military. Melvin underwent basic training at an Air Force base and then attended radio operator school, where he learned Morse code and radio mechanics. He graduated as a radio operator and was assigned to a B-29 bomber crew during World War II. As a radio operator on a B-29 bomber, Melvin underwent rigorous training in the United States, including flying practice missions and familiarizing himself with the aircraft's components and crew responsibilities.

He was later stationed in the Pacific theater on islands such as Guam, Tinian, Kwajalein, and Johnston Island. Life in the Pacific presented numerous challenges, including harsh living conditions characterized by extreme heat, limited beach access, and the constant presence of sharks. Melvin also faced personal fears related to flying, including engine malfunctions and perilous landings. Though uninformed regarding its specific mission and objectives, during his service, Melvin Price witnessed the activities of the 509th Squadron, which would later drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After the war, Melvin married Marie, with whom he had three children. He transitioned to civilian life, working as a planning engineer at Bethlehem Steel until his retirement. He and his wife eventually moved to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Throughout his post-war years, Melvin shared his wartime experiences with ROTC students, emphasizing the importance of remembering World War II sacrifices and the enduring value of freedom.