In March 1944 he became the commanding officer of Destroyer Division 32, then in November 1944 he moved to the staff of Commander, Destroyers, United States Atlantic Fleet, where he was the operations officer and assistant chief of staff.
In March 1944, Melson became the commanding officer of Destroyer Division 32, which he commanded during the latter portions of Operation Shingle, the Allied invasion of Anzio, Italy. In November 1944, Melson moved to the staff of Commander, Destroyers, United States Atlantic Fleet, where he was the operations officer and assistant chief of staff.