Juan Alberto Melgar Castro (1938 – 2 December 1987) was an army officer in the Honduran military who served as the head of state of Honduras from 22 April 1975 to 7 August 1978, when he was removed from power by others in the military.
Early life
Juan Alberto Melgar Castro was born in 1938. He rose to the rank of colonel in the Armed Forces of Honduras and became minister of interior in the government of President Oswaldo López Arellano in 1972, after the overthrow of civilian rule by the military.
Presidency
Colonel Melgar Castro was appointed head of the military on 31 March 1975
Melgar Castro's administration was collective in nature, ruling alongside CONSUFFAA as the first among equals. Melgar Castro was associated with the National Party of Honduras and had conservative views. The impetus of the land reform was still strong though and it continued under the Instituto Nacional Agrario until the resignation of its head, Melgar Castro appointee Sandoval Corea in 1977.
Later life
Melgar Castro remained active in politics and sought to be elected as head of the National Party in 1982.
General Melgar Castro died of a heart attack near San Pedro Sula on 2 December 1987.