Oscar B. Nelson - War Hero

NELSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall (email)
Date: 8/2/2004 at 06:36:19

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Oscar B. Nelson, first lieutenant, 168th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action at La Tuilerie Farm, France, October 16, 1918. Lieut. Nelson alone attacked two enemy machine guns, killing two of the enemy and capturing 19.

Lieutenant Nelson is awarded a bronze oak leaf for the following act of extraordinary heroism in action at La Tuilerie Farm, France, October 16, 1918: Accompanied by six soldiers, this officer advanced 600 yards beyond his own lines through heavy fire from enemy artillery, machine guns and rifles, and captured two more machine guns, killing, capturing or dispersing their crews. Still later in the day he led his company in an attack on Chatillon Hill and took his objectives, but in so doing received wounds which caused his death. His coolness, courage and utter disregard for his own safety were a source of great inspiration to his men.

Emergency address: Jacob Nelson, father, 1706 West Second Street, Ottumwa, Iowa
Residence at appointment: 1706 West Second Street, Ottumwa, Iowa

-source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 368

-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall