He was the son of Pavlos Melas, only ten years old when he lost the hero of the Macedonian struggle. As a young man he took part in the Balkan wars and the First World War. He participated in the Asia Minor campaign. He served as Prefect of Corfu. He was adjutant to King Alexander and vice-regent of George II (1936-1947).

During 1940 -41 at the beginning of the Greek-Italian war he served as Chief of Staff of the Higher Military Command in the sector of Korytsa. Later in 1947 he was Deputy Chief of King Paul and Master of Ceremonies of the Royal Court in 1949-50. He was awarded the Order of the Order of the Phoenix with swords.