Headstone of Doyne Melton
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

Doyne Melton

1933

Doyne C. Melton served the U.S. Marine Corps.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Patrol Inspector Doyne Melton was shot and killed as he and several other inspectors attempted to apprehend 13 smugglers at the foot of Park Street as they waded ashore in El Paso, Texas, with 150 cases of illegal liquor. One smuggler hidden on the American side opened fire, as did the other smugglers. Inspector Melton was struck in the heart in the opening volley and died at the scene. The other inspectors shot and killed two smugglers and wounded another as they fled back into Mexico. Inspector Melton was a United States Marine Corps veteran and served with the United States Border Patrol for six years. He was survived by his wife. He was buried in Conyers, Georgia. Twenty days later, on December 27, 1933, U.S. Border Patrol Inspector Bert G. Walthall, who had survived the gun battle that killed Inspector Melton, was shot and killed by smugglers in El Paso County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Photograph of Doyne Melton
Photograph of Doyne Melton
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
United States Department of Labor - Immigration Service - United States Border Patrol
Patrol Inspector
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtn58s5kt86s93d2hxd03
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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