Lauritz Nelson

Lauritz Nelson (March 26, 1860 – September 16, 1944) was a sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Lauritz Nelson
Born(1860-03-26)March 26, 1860
Norway
DiedSeptember 16, 1941(1941-09-16) (aged 81)
Farmingdale, New York, US
Place of burial
Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1885 - 1905
RankChief Boatswain's Mate
UnitUSS Nashville
Battles/warsSpanish–American War
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

Nelson was born March 26, 1860, in Norway and entered the US navy in 1885. Later he was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the torpedo boat USS Nashville as a sailmaker's mate.[1]

Lauritz retired from the navy in 1905 with the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate.[2] He died September 16, 1944, and is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sailmaker's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 March 1860, Norway. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Nelson displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.[1]

See also

References
  1. "War with Spain; Nelson, Lauritz entry". Medal of Honor recipients, War With Spain. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  2. Service Profile
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