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New York Herald's first prize for efficient performance was also awarded him for this flight. He remained as pilot for the Whittemore-Hamm Company until they went out of business in1920.

Following this Hodgdon held various positions, some related to aviation, until November, 1922, when he moved to Middletown, Ohio, to become Construction Engineer for Armco Steel Corporation and remained there until his retirement in 1961.

During World War II Hodgdon returned to military service, was commissioned First Lieutenant, and in 1943-44 served as instructor in antiaircraft fire at U.S. Army bases.

In 1950 the urge to fly returned and Hodgdon took a refresher flying course on modern aircraft at Middletown. He obtained a flying license, then purchased a Luscombe Model 8E to fly until 1958 when he permanently retired from flying.

Hodgdon continued to live in Middletown, Ohio, where he enjoyed several pleasant hobbies and the memories of an active life of association with flying and industry. He had joined the Early Birds. 

Flying Pioneer Melvin W. Hodgdon started actively in aviation at an early age and, with the aid and encouragement of an understanding father, learned to fly as a boy, went on to continue doing [[crossed-out]] it [[/crossed-out]] so professionally, then later for the pure pleasure of the sport. He never lost his enthusiasm for aviation and contributed his part to the establishment of early American aviation progress.