Paul Nelson, KIA, May 31, 1969

(June 17, 1969) -- Pfc. Paul V. Nelson, 20, of Williams Street, was killed in action on May 31, in the northern part of South Vietnam, according to the Department of the Army.

Nelson was awarded the Silver Star “for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.”

PFC. Nelson “distinguished himself by intrepid actions” on May 31, while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company B, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry.

"On that date, the company was on a search and clear mission near Landing Zone Stinson when the point element came under intense enemy fire.

"Observing one of his comrades fall seriously wounded, Private Nelson, disregarding the danger involved, braved the enemy fire to assist in evacuating the wounded soldier.

"Returning to the area of contact, Private Nelson remained exposed to locate the enemy position. Despite the hostile barrage impacting all around him, Private Nelson located the insurgents’ position and then directed gunship fire on the enemy targets.

"At this point, Private Nelson was mortally wounded from the hostile fire. His timely and courageous actions were responsible for saving the life of his comrade and the defeat of the enemy force.

"Private Nelson’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army. "

Pfc. Nelson joined the Army last June and had been in Vietnam for the last six months.

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PACIFIC: Harry W. Nyegaard KIA on Tinian Islands

Harry W. Nyegaard, Awarded Silver Star

(Sept. 14, 1944) – Marine Pfc. Harry Nyegaard, 19, of Main Street, was reported killed June 19 on the Tinian Islands, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Nyegaard, were told in September.

Nyegaard enlisted in December 1942, and went overseas with a field communications unit. He was a veteran of Saipan, Kwajalein, Namur and Roi, all in the South Pacific.

(Oct. 18, 1945) – Pfc. Harry Nyegaard was killed in Saipan on June 19, 1944, while laying a communications wire between a battalion command post and a company in the field. Navy Secretary James Forrestal personally signed the citation for Nyegaard’s Silver Star.

Nyegaard had already received a Purple Heart and a copy of the Presidential Unit Citation in which the commanding general of the Fourth Marine Division gave recognition to the young Marine.

Nyegaard graduated Belleville High School in 1942, and enlisted at age 17. His brother, Vincent, a Motor Machinist’s Mate 3/c, serving aboard an LSM from Luzon to Japan, visited his brother’s grave in Manila a month ago.

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Paul Nelson Dies in Vietnam

(June 17, 1969) -- Pfc. Paul V. Nelson, 20, of Williams Street, was killed in action on May 31, in the northern part of South Vietnam, according to the Department of the Army.

Nelson was awarded the Silver Star “for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.”

PFC. Nelson “distinguished himself by intrepid actions” on May 31, while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company B, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry.

"On that date, the company was on a search and clear mission near Landing Zone Stinson when the point element came under intense enemy fire.

"Observing one of his comrades fall seriously wounded, Private Nelson, disregarding the danger involved, braved the enemy fire to assist in evacuating the wounded soldier.

"Returning to the area of contact, Private Nelson remained exposed to locate the enemy position. Despite the hostile barrage impacting all around him, Private Nelson located the insurgents’ position and then directed gunship fire on the enemy targets.

"At this point, Private Nelson was mortally wounded from the hostile fire. His timely and courageous actions were responsible for saving the life of his comrade and the defeat of the enemy force.

"Private Nelson’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army. "

Pfc. Nelson joined the Army last June and had been in Vietnam for the last six months.

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