COMMANDER JAMES R. NELSON, received his Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism on 18 August 1968. He was then engaged in riverine asault operations against communist aggressive forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Commander River Assault Division 112, consisting of twelve river assault craft, the then Lieutenant Nelson conducted operations along the Hai Muoi Tam 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 the 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 teh 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 backloading 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 the 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.

CMDR. Nelson joined the Legion of Valor in 1977 and resides in Florida.