Medal of Honor: William L. Nelson - World War II - April 24, 1943

Name: William L. Nelson
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: April 24, 1943
Location: Djebel Dardys, northwest of Sedjenane, Tunisia

Summary of Action

On 24 April 1943, Sergeant William L. Nelson distinguished himself during combat at Djebel Dardys in Tunisia.

That morning, Nelson led his section of heavy mortars to a forward position against enemy forces.

Under intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire, he skillfully placed both his weapons and men for action.

Knowing accurate observation was essential, Nelson advanced alone to a chosen forward post.

From that exposed position, he directed a concentrated mortar barrage that successfully stopped the first enemy counterattack.

During the action, Nelson was mortally wounded.

His mission had already been accomplished, and he could have remained where he was.

Instead, he crawled even farther forward to a more advanced observation point.

Only fifty yards from the enemy and dying from hand-grenade wounds, he continued directing the fire of his mortar section.

Even in his final moments, he encouraged his men to keep firing.

Inspired by his courage, the section maintained the barrage and inflicted heavy enemy losses.

Through unmatched devotion to duty, fearless leadership, and sacrifice unto death, William L. Nelson reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

NELSON, WILLIAM L.

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.