NELSON, WILLIAM L. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry
Division. Place and date: At Djebel Dardys, Northwest of Sedjenane, Tunisia,
24 April 1943. Entered service at: Middletown, Del. Birth: Dover, Del.
G.O. No.: 85, 17 December 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty in action
involving actual conflict. On the morning of 24 April 1943, Sgt. Nelson
led his section of heavy mortars to a forward position where he placed
his guns and men. Under intense enemy artillery, mortar, and small-arms
fire, he advanced alone to a chosen observation position from which he
directed the laying of a concentrated mortar barrage which successfully
halted an initial enemy counterattack. Although mortally wounded in the
accomplishment of his mission, and with his duty clearly completed, Sgt.
Nelson crawled to a still more advanced observation point and continued
to direct the fire of his section. Dying of handgrenade wounds and only
50 yards from the enemy, Sgt. Nelson encouraged his section to continue
their fire and by doing so they took a heavy toll of enemy lives. The skill
which Sgt. Nelson displayed in this engagement, his courage, and self-sacrificing
devotion to duty and heroism resulting in the loss of his life, was a priceless
inspiration to our Armed Forces and were in keeping with the highest tradition
of the U.S. Army.
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