Paul VINCENT Nelson

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Paul Vincent Nelson, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Nelson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 31 May 1969, while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company B, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade (Light). 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 First Class 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.