World War II Honoree

Erik H. Nelson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honored By

Mrs. Joyce Moore Peterzell

Relationship

Friend

AFTER ENGAGING IN A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OF HIS OWN HE BECAME AN ADVISER TO THE WAR PRODUCTION EFFORT IN 1940 AND 1941. IN 1942 RE-ENTERED THE SERVICE TO WORK ON A WIDE RANGE OF TECHNICAL PROBLEMS FOR ARMY AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS. HE WAS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH PUTTING THE FIRST B-29 AIRCRAFT INTO SERVICE. HE BECAME A BRIGADIER GENERAL ON OCTOBER 25, 1945 AND RETIRED ON FEBRUARY 11, 1946. IN ADDITION TO THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, HIS DECORATIONS INCLUDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, THE LEGION OF MERIT, THE ORDER OF THE SWORD OF SWEDEN, THE LEGION OF HONOR OF FRANCE AND THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN JAPAN. HIS AWARDS INCLUDED THE MACKAY TROPHY.