Paul V. Nelson was born on September 5, 1948, in Newark, NJ. His home of record is Belleville, NJ. He had two brothers, Edward and Lawrence. Paul lived in East Orange for 13 yearx, prior to moving to Belleville, NJ, in 1967. He was a 1967 graduate of East Orange High School, where he earned a varsity letter on the school bowling team.
Paul joined the US Army in June 1968, and was sent to Vietnam in January 1969. He attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). Nelson was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 198th Light Infantry Brigade.
Nelson was killed in action on May 31, 1969. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star.
Nelson’s Silver Star citation reads:
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. 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 positions. Despite the hostile barrage impacting all around him, Private Nelson located the insurgents’ positions and then directed gunship fire on the 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 the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Source: Anthony Buccino (author of Belleville Sons Honor Roll) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
