Alejandro Melchor facts for kids
Alejandro Melchor (born 1900, died 1947) was a very smart Filipino engineer, mathematician, and teacher. He was also a physicist and even served in the Philippine government's top team.
Melchor was born in Ibajay, Aklan. He is especially famous for designing special floating bridges, called pontoon bridges, during World War II. These bridges helped soldiers move quickly across water.
A famous building at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus is named after him: Melchor Hall. This building is where most of the UP College of Engineering is located. Another building at the Philippine Military Academy was also named to honor him.
Learning and Studies
In 1924, Alejandro Melchor finished his civil engineering degree at the University of the Philippines. He graduated with the highest honors! At that time, the UP College of Engineering was quite new. It was only about fifteen years old and was located in the Manila campus.
His Work and Career
Alejandro Melchor was a regular teacher in the engineering department. Later, he became the College Secretary for the UP College of Engineering. This was when Edward R. Hyde was the dean, from 1926 to 1940.
Melchor was known as a brilliant mathematician. He even became the head of the mathematics department at the Philippine Military Academy.
Designing Bridges for War
Melchor is most famous for designing the pontoon bridges used by the U.S. Army during World War II. These bridges are temporary structures that float on water. They allow soldiers and vehicles to cross rivers or other water bodies quickly.
His work on these bridges was very important. It helped the Allied Forces win the war. He even reached the rank of colonel in the military.
Serving the President
During World War II, the Philippine government had to leave the country. President Sergio Osmeña was leading the government from outside the Philippines. Alejandro Melchor served as a military adviser in President Osmeña's special war cabinet.
Alejandro Melchor passed away in 1947.
