Melvin Emery Patton (November 16, 1924 – May 9, 2014) was an
American sprinter, who set the world record of 9.2 seconds in
the 100 yard dash in 1948. He also set a 220 yd. world record
in 1949 on a straightaway of 20.2, breaking the record held by
Jesse Owens.                                                                                

Patton won two gold medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics. He
was ranked first in the world in the 100 m and 200 m events in
1947 and 1949.

Patton was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of
Fame in 1985, and died in Fallbrook, California.