SGT John Gregory Nelson

courtesy of Katie Ross

SGT John Gregory Nelson was born 3 Jul 1923 in Danvers, Minnesota. John was the oldest of the 3 children and only son born to Elliott Walter and Irene M. (Reardon) Nelson. His father managed a grain elevator and in 1940, his mother was working as a statistical clerk for the census bureau. The couple had a combined 1939 income of $1300 and owned their home valued at $2500. John's employment wasn't given but he reported a 1939 income of $45.

John was drafted in April 1943. After his basic training he was sent to England and assigned to the replacement depot likely awaiting the invasion of occupied Europe. On 13 Jun 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to B Company 116th Infantry. PVT Nelson wasn't there for very long because on 14 Jun 1944 he was again transferred, this time to D Company 116th Infantry. This was the period after the very costly amphibious landings on Omaha Beach and the regiment was trying to cross-level necessary soldiers and still have all units with effective combat strength. No doubt he was effective soldier because he was promoted to SGT on 27 Jul 1944. SGT Nelson was killed in action on 29 Jul 1944.

SGT Nelson was repatriated in 1949 and re-interred in Saint Malachy Cemetery in Clontarf, Minnesota.