Biography - Melvin G. Deaile

Melvin G. Deaile received a bachelor’s degree in astronautical engineering from the US Air Force Academy. He holds Masters degrees from Louisiana Tech University, the Army’s Command and General Staff College, and the Air Force’s School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Upon graduating from the Air Force Academy, Mel entered pilot training and became a bomber pilot once he earned his wings. He served two tours in the B-52 and one tour in the B-2. In 2004, the Air Force selected him for their faculty pipeline program and sent him to UNC-Chapel Hill for a PhD. Three years later, Mel earned his PhD in American History with a minor in History of Technology. His dissertation focused on organizational culture in Strategic Air Command during the initial decades of the Cold War. Currently, Col Mel Deaile is a professor of history and strategy at the Air Force's School of Advanced Air and Space School. A veteran of Desert Storm and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Col Deaile has flown combat missions in the B-52 and B-2 bombers. He is a receipt of the Distinguished Flying Cross.