NELSON, JAMES RAD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Navy Cross to James Rad Nelson (570611),
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 18
August 1968 while engaged in riverine assault operations
against communist aggressor forces in the Republic of
Vietnam. As Commander River Assault Division 112, Task
Force 117 (TF-117), consisting of twelve river assault
craft, Lieutenant Nelson conducted operations along the
Hai Muoi Tarn Canal in Dinh Tuong Province. Shortly
after noon, the assault boat column was attacked by what
was later estimated to be a Viet Cong battalion.
Lieutenant Nelson's command Monitor received two
damaging rocket hits, at the outset, that sprayed him in
the face with shrapnel and blinded him in his right eye.
Ignoring the excruciating pain and the resultant loss of
vision, he steadfastly remained at his station and
continuously exposed himself to enemy fire by standing
upright at his position on top of the boat, to gain the
best possible view of enemy positions, in order to
direct his assault boats in returning fire.
Additionally, Lieutenant Nelson assumed complete control
of his boat, shouting instructions to the coxswain
while, at the same time, firing on the enemy positions
himself with a grenade launcher. He then directed his
units to lay down a steady barrage of fire which
succeeded in suppressing the enemy's fire sufficiently
to permit helicopter evacuation for the many casualties
and the safe back-loading of the remainder of the
troops. Later that afternoon, Lieutenant Nelson was
involved in a second intense ambush during which he
again valiantly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire. As
the infantry succeeded in securing this area, he
maneuvered his craft into defensive positions and
supervised evacuation of the wounded. Only after all
wounded personnel had been evacuated and a relief
officer was provided did Lieutenant Nelson submit to
evacuation for badly-needed medical treatment. His
superb leadership, courage under fire, and selfless
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy
Department Board of Decorations and Medals |
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