Sailmaker's Mate Lauritz Nelson was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898 in Cienfuegos, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Nashville. Nelson was 38 years old.
54 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate.
Nelson was born on March 26, 1860 in Norway — one of 22 recipients born in Norway. Nelson died on September 19, 1941, at the age of 81. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.
Nelson is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War.
Official Medal of Honor 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
Timeline
- March 26, 1860Born in Norway
- May 11, 1898Act of valor — Cienfuegos, CubaAge 38. U.S.S. Nashville
- September 19, 1941DiedAge 81.
- Resting placeLong Island National CemeteryFarmingdale, New York
Biography
Lauritz Nelson (March 26, 1860 – September 16, 1941) was a sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Lauritz Nelson”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
