World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
William A. Nelson
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Pawnee, Oklahoma
Honored By
Robert S. Cox
SERVED OVERSEAS IN THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER WITH THE 30TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD INFANTRY 'MARNE' DIVISION. PRIVATE NELSON DIED OF WOUNDS ON JUNE 11, 1945, AFTER THE END OF HOSTILITIES IN EUROPE. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART FOR WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. AUTHORIZED THE PRESIDENTIAL (DISTINGUISHED) UNIT CITATION FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM IN ACTION BY HIS DIVISION AT COLMAR, FRANCE. ALSO AWARDED THE FRENCH CROIX DE GUERRE WITH BRONZE PALM FOR ACTIONS BY HIS REGIMENT AT COLMAR.