Harold William Melching was 37 when he was last seen on October 1, 1980, in Adelanto, California, while stationed at George Air Force Base. He left his home in the early morning hours and never returned. At the time he disappeared he faced serious charges of child sexual abuse and had also deserted his military post, and investigators believed he may have fled because of those allegations. There were also concerns he might have been suicidal.

Melching is described as a white male, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, about 190–200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. A distinctive tattoo of a heart with the name Barb is on his left shoulder. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations remained involved and the case is still open.

If anyone has information about Harold Melching’s whereabouts or last movements in 1980, please come forward.