Melvin Hirschi, 84, passed away on December 11, 2003 following a stroke.  He was born July 14, 1919 in Montpelier to William and Marianna Serler Hirschi.  As a growing boy he contributed to the operation of the family ranching business.  In 1937 he began three years at Utah State University before voluntarily joining the Navy in 1940.  He later earned a BS degree from the University of New Mexico and a doctorate from the University of Idaho.  His military career was his life's pride along with his wife of 60 years, Frances, whom he met in Corpus Christi, Texas. They married in 1943 in McKinney, Texas.  He became an aviation cadet at Pensacola, Florida and was subsequently commissioned a Naval aviator in 1941.  During World War II he was engaged in aerial campaigns at Midway Island, the Philippines, Okinawa, Taiwan, iwo Jima and the Japanese homeland.  He also served as a fighter pilot in the Korean War.  After 22 years he retired and joined the faculties of the University of Idaho and Washington State University.  He is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren.  Memorial service and interment to take place at Tahoma National Military Cemetery near Kent, Washington.