| Roger William Mehle | |
| Birth Date: | 16 October 1915 |
| Birth Place: | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Allegiance: | United States of America |
| Serviceyears: | 1937–1970 |
| Rank: | Rear admiral |
| Commands: | Light Carrier Air Group 28 |
| Battles: | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards: | Silver Star Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) |
Roger William Mehle (October 16, 1915August 30, 1997) was a United States Navy Rear admiral.
Mehle was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mehle graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1937 and he spent two years serving on the . He graduated from flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola in June 1939, then joined VF-3 and carrier-qualified in July 1939. He was then transferred to VF-6 flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat as part of the 's air group.[1]
On 1 February, Enterprises Task Force 8 raided Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap in the Marshall Islands, sinking three ships, damaging eight, and destroying numerous airplanes and ground facilities. That afternoon, the Japanese attempted a counterstrike against the Enterprise, Mehle took off and shot down a Japanese Aichi E13A seaplane and later with two other VF-6 fighters shot down a Mitsubishi G3M bomber. For his actions Mehle was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.[2]
On 24 February Mehle and two other VF-6 fighters shot down a Kawanishi H6K near Wake Island.[1]
In March 1942 Mehle became the executive officer of VF-6.[1]
By 1944 Mehle was commander of Light Carrier Air Group 28 aboard the . On 11 June 1944 Mehle shot down two Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters near the Mariana Islands. On 19 June, Mehle achieved ace status by shooting down two Nakajima B6N torpedo-bombers in the aerial battles that became known as the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.[1]
On 28 December 1944 Mehle was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry for the period from 15 May to 26 December 1944.[2]
From January 1965 to December 1966, Mehle served as Director, Strike Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and received his first Legion of Merit for this service.[2]
From February to May 1967, Mehle was Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force, Seventh Fleet and from May to September 1967 he was Commander Carrier Division Five.[1] [2]
From July 1968 to June 1970, Mehle served as Commander, Naval Safety Center.
Mehle retired from active service in 1970.
Mehle married Aileen Elder in 1939 and they had a son Roger Jr in 1941. They later divorced and Aileen Mehle became famous as a society columnist.
Mehle married model Dorian Leigh in August 1948. Their daughter Young Eve Mehle was born on March 27, 1949. Mehle and Leigh divorced on November 24, 1954.[3]
Mehle died on August 30, 1997.