Nelson, Lucas Jasper
- Date of birth:
- February 13th, 1917 (Lamero/Kentucky, United States)
- Date of death:
- December 10th, 1996
- Nationality:
- American
Biography
Lucas Jasper Nelson was also entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citation with golden star.
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Navy Cross
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant
- Unit:
- Bombing Squadron 1 (VB-1), U.S. Navy (Bombing Squadron 1 (VB-1), U.S. Navy)
- Awarded on:
- August 20th, 1944
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Flying at extreme range from base to participate in a daring strike on a hostile aircraft carrier, Lieutenant Nelson fought his plane gallantly against enemy intercepting aircraft and, going in low despite the intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, launched a brilliantly executed dive-bombing attack which resulted in the scoring of three direct and two probable hits on the enemy warship. With his fuel exhausted, he succeeded in making a safe water landing at night and was later rescued by a friendly destroyer. His great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit in the fulfillment of a hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Nelson and the United States Naval Service."
Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0439 (20 August 1944).
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant
- Unit:
- Bombing Squadron 1 (VB-1), U.S. Navy (Bombing Squadron 1 (VB-1), U.S. Navy)
- Awarded on:
- October 8th, 1945
Synopsis:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Division Leader in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 28 July 1945. When intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire imperiled his division before it could launch its attack, Lieutenant Nelson rapidly initiated new tactics which enabled the pilots of his division to score hits and inflict extensive damage on an ISE class battleship. He personally pressed home an aggressive attack to obtain a direct hit on the warship. By his skill as an airman and aggressive fighting spirit, Lieutenant Nelson contributed materially to the success of his squadron in an epic strike in which all capital ships of the Japanese Fleet at Kure were either sunk or damaged. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 02026 (8 October 1945).
Second NC received in the form of a golden star to be placed on the ribbon of the first NC.
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Division Leader in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 28 July 1945. When intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire imperiled his division before it could launch its attack, Lieutenant Nelson rapidly initiated new tactics which enabled the pilots of his division to score hits and inflict extensive damage on an ISE class battleship. He personally pressed home an aggressive attack to obtain a direct hit on the warship. By his skill as an airman and aggressive fighting spirit, Lieutenant Nelson contributed materially to the success of his squadron in an epic strike in which all capital ships of the Japanese Fleet at Kure were either sunk or damaged. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 02026 (8 October 1945).
Second NC received in the form of a golden star to be placed on the ribbon of the first NC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Second AM awarded in the form of a golden star to be placed on the ribbon of the first AM.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Philippines Liberation Medal
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Sources
- Photo 1: U.S. Navy Photograph
- - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
- Home of Heroes
- Military times of Valor
Photo
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