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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION:

For heroic achievement in aerial flight on 1 January 1952 while serving with Marine Fighter Squadron 312 as leader of the second section of a four-plane division on a deep support mission near Saedoksan, North Korea. Upon arrival at the target area, the flight leader sustained a direct hit by 37mm antiaircraft fire, forcing him to abandon his aircraft. Colonel (then 1st Lieutenant) Nelson, in spite of increasing enemy fire, circled the descending pilot until assured that he had landed successfully in a wooded area. He then brought the enemy under attack, silencing some of the fire directed at the downed pilot and his own aircraft. Although still subjected to heavy enemy fire, he remained in the area of the downed pilot and contacted a rescue helicopter. The helicopter was hit by enemy fire shortly after arrival and was forced to abandon the rescue attempt. Although his own aircraft was hit several times by automatic weapons fire, Colonel Nelson continued to circle the area and made passes at the enemy ground troops in an attempt to keep them away from the downed pilot. He continued his attempts to effect a rescue until relieved by another flight. Unable to reach his home base, due to fuel shortage, he was forced to land at a small emergency field just inside friendly territory. By his courageous actions in the face of intense enemy fire, Colonel Nelson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.