Nels H. Nelson

Nels Herning Nelson (April 5, 1903 – April 25, 1973) was a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. A veteran of several expeditionary tours and World War II, Nelson gained reputation as one of the Corps' top experts in communications.

Early years

Nels H. Nelson was born on April 5, 1903, in Irene, South Dakota, as the son of Jens Nelson and Anna Christensen. Following a graduation from the high school in summer of 1921, he enrolled the Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. Nelson completed one year there, before received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in June 1922.

Nelson graduated on June 3, 1926, with bachelor's degree and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He was subsequently ordered to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for basic officer training, which he completed in February 1927. Nelson then served with Marine Barracks at the Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut and Marine Barracks at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, before sailed for expeditionary duty to China.

In June 1955, Nelson was ordered to Coronado, California, for duty as commanding general, Landing Force Training Unit, Pacific. He was responsible for the amphibious training of Army and Navy forces on the West Coast of the United States until the beginning of July 1956, when he was succeeded by his Naval Academy classmate, Russell N. Jordahl and retired from active duty. Nelson was advanced to the rank of major general on retirement, for having been specially commended in combat.