Damian Nesmith

Damian Melrose is a character in the Eden Pond Series.

Biography

Inspiration image for Damian's appearance. Given the different hair color, for example, it is not intended as an exact likeness.

Damian Melrose served as a captain in the U.S. Army at the Netarts Army Camp established early in the war. Among other duties, he was tasked with surveying the Tillamook Bay and Cape Meares for possible placement of defensive installations. He was generally of a courteous demeanor, except toward the leading members of the Tillamook community, particularly those involved in the so-called Guerilla Rifle Club, a civilian militia formed to defend against the coast against Japanese invasion.

Personal Details and Appearance
His round, cherub’s face was at odds with the sharp creases in his uniform, his lean limbs, and his prominent Adam’s apple. Red-haired and freckled with a small mouth and pale blue eyes, he could be aloof, though capable of bursts of merriment at unexpected moments. He often appeared to be on the verge of a wry smile, even during serious moments. He rarely lost his temper, and then only when driven to it. Physically, he handled himself well, and was capable of taking on multiple opponents in a fight—though he preferred to avoid doing so. He was good at keeping secrets. He was also a non-smoker, unusual for the time—something that appealed to Eden Pond.

He was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, and attended the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (today Iowa State University). He joined the U.S. Army upon graduation at age 22. His assignment in Tillamook marks his first time traveling west of the Rocky Mountains.

Officially Captain Melrose was a combat engineer attached to the 104th Cavalry, but was in fact a member of the U.S. Counter Intelligence Corps. His mission was twofold: identify and recruit Nisei Japanese to serve as linguists; identify and disrupt sabotage and enemy espionage on the north Oregon coast.

Appearances

• Tillamook Guerillas (working title)